Caloocan Rep. Oscar Malapitan has revived a bill that would limit the operating hours of bars, nightclubs, and related establishments to help curb crime incidents in these places.
Under House Bill No. 3235, now pending at the Committee on Public Order and Safety, “establishments serving intoxicating drinks” would stay open only from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Malapitan said he was amenable to extending operating hours until 2 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
‘Social evils’
“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 have to weigh the economic side of the issue with public interest as the bottom line,” the congressman said in a statement.
The bill also requires gun owners to deposit their firearms to 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 (National Bureau of Investigation) or the police agencies,” Malapitan said.
“Aside from crimes, lives are lost due to preventable accidents,” he added.
If passed, the measure would penalize violators with a jail term of at least six months.