Prohibition on selling, drinking liquor in bars from 12 midnight to 5am under study

THE City Council committee on trade and commerce chaired by Councilor George S. Goking on Tuesday discussed the proposed ordinance prohibiting the selling and drinking of liquor and other alcoholic beverages in all pubs, bars, restaurants, and other business establishments in Cagayan de Oro City after 12 midnight until 5 a.m.

The meeting was attended by representatives of concerned government agencies and bar owners operating in the city.

Atty. Jose Edgardo “Egay” Uy, chairperson of the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB), said during inspections, he observed that customers become unruly from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. He also noted the uncontrollable noise from some establishments which disturbs residents living nearby.

Councilor Aga Suan supported the proposed ordinance but stressed that businesses should also not be sacrificed.

He said while he is not promoting drunkenness, some residents are used to drinking especially during fiesta celebrations. We only need self-discipline and self-control to be role models, he pointed out.

Councilor Goking said the committee needs to consider different options which will not lead to economic problems. We also cannot generalize because not all bar owners are violating existing ordinances, he added.

The councilor said he will join the next inspection of the RCB team to see the actual operations of bars in the city.