Quezon town mayor imposes liquor ban as typhoon safety measure

LUCENA CITY – The mayor of General Luna town in Quezon province has imposed a liquor ban in the entire municipality starting Monday until Wednesday as part of the preparedness measures for Typhoon Tisoy (international name: Kammuri).

“Selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited starting Dec. 2 until Dec. 4,” Mayor Matt Florido, said in his Municipal Advisory issued early Monday.

In a phone interview, Florido explained that it is difficult for disaster responders to conduct rescue and relief operations when dealing with persons under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

He said most drinkers resort to drinking even when it’s raining and with a typhoon around.

“When the operation center gave an order, we expect the citizens to follow in an orderly response without the influence of alcohol,” Florido said.

Classes were also suspended in all levels in public and private schools in General Luna until Wednesday. All trips of ferry boats were cancelled and fishers were told not to venture into the Tayabas Bay until further notice.

On Monday, the state weather bureau placed the entire province under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.

General Luna has 27 barangays and 26,500 total population.

Edited by JPV