The 21st Davao City Council is considering amendments to the city's Liquor Ban Ordinance, aiming to impose stricter penalties on repeat violators. The proposed changes are currently under review by the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, chaired by Councilor Luna Acosta, and seek to strengthen enforcement against establishments and individuals who repeatedly violate the ordinance.
Background of the Liquor Ban Ordinance
The city's liquor ban ordinance regulates the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, with provisions intended to maintain public order and protect minors. Jacy Jay Francia, head of the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) and Anti-Scam Unit, said during the iSpeak media forum that the proposed amendments were prompted by cases where some establishments continued violating the ordinance despite being penalized.
Current Enforcement Challenges
Francia explained that under the current ordinance, establishments can settle violations through fines, which some businesses exploit by repeatedly violating the law and simply paying the fines due to their high earnings. The proposed amendments would eliminate this option for repeat offenders, requiring them to face cases filed at the city prosecutor's office instead.
Key Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments introduce a no-contest provision for first-time violators with no prior record, allowing them to accept responsibility and receive a lesser penalty. This provision can only be used once per violator. Currently, the ordinance does not include such a provision.
Additionally, the amendments aim to address violations in private gatherings and house parties, particularly when minors are present. Francia noted that private events may still be covered by the ordinance if authorities determine that minors are involved in prohibited activities, although proving payment or transaction remains a challenge.
Enforcement Actions and Closures
City authorities continue to monitor establishments for compliance. Last year, eight bars were ordered closed for violations, and two establishments have recently been issued final warnings. Establishments that continue to violate after final warnings could face outright revocation of their permits rather than suspension.
The VRU has also encountered establishments that appear closed from the outside but continue operating inside, allowing violations to persist. Some operators attempt to avoid detection by limiting visible activity while continuing to serve customers within their premises.
Next Steps
The proposed amendments remain under committee review as city officials seek to strengthen enforcement and address gaps in the current ordinance. The committee aims to finalize recommendations for the full council's consideration.
