Congressman seeks limit to ‘happy hour’ at bars, nightclubs

House of Representatives. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—A congressman has revived a bill seeking to limit the operating hours of bars, nightclubs, and related establishments, a move he said was intended to help curb crime in these places.

Under House Bill No. 3235, “establishments serving intoxicating drinks” would stay open only from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The measure has been pending at the Committee on Public Order and Safety.

“There is no necessity to provide statistics of crimes occurring in these establishments or as a result of having patronized them.  Aside from crimes, lives are lost due to preventable accidents,” Caloocan Rep. Oscar Malapitan said in a statement.

“There are so many more social evils that could be prevented if these establishments were totally banned, but because our people must be allowed some pleasures to relax a tired and weary body, these establishments should be regulated instead.  We also must have to weigh the economic side of the issue with public interest as the bottom line.”

Malapitan said he was amenable to extending operating hours until 2 a.m. during weekends and holidays. If passed, the measure would penalize violators with a jail term of at least six months.

The bill also requires gun owners to deposit their firearms with the bar manager before entering the establishment.

“For such purpose, operators or owners should secure a list of such citizens with criminal or questionable character from the NBI or the police agencies,” Malapitan said.