LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Mayor Edna C. Tabanda warned erring liquor establishments in this capital town that the municipal government will be forced to padlock their establishments once found to be continuously violating existing liquor ordinances and other existing rules and regulations.
The local chief executive pointed out the local government already purchased the necessary padlocks to be used in closing the establishments that used to cooperate with the implementation of all applicable laws in relation to the operation of liquor establishments.
“We already gave them enough time to comply with the prescribed rules and regulations. We are sorry for them if their establishments will be closed because of their own negligence in complying with the provisions of our ordinance, one of which is the 9 pm closing time,” Tabanda stressed.
Apart from complying with the agreed 9 pm closing time of bars and liquor establishments, existing local ordinances mandate liquor stores in the municipality to install their own close-circuit television cameras, assign sufficient number of security guards, put up parking spaces for their customers among others.
“We had been so lenient to them for so long a time and we want to send a message to our people that we mean business and we do not succumb to the whims and caprices of businessmen. We should meet halfway because we value the welfare of our constituents,” she added.
According to her, all matters concerning the operation of liquor stores within the municipality were addressed during previous consultations over the past several months but it seems a number of owners of bars and liquor establishments refuse to comply with the provisions of existing ordinances.
Tabanda disclosed some owners of liquor establishments have already gave up their bars and decided to retain the restaurant component of their business which is a good sign of their cooperation to the strict implementation of the town’s liquor ordinance.
Previously, liquor establishments in the city were only allowed to operate until 8 pm daily but the passage of the new liquor ordinance and its subsequent pave the way for local officials and bar owners to agree that the operation of bars will only be until 9 pm.
The municipal mayor asserted the regulation of the operation of liquor establishments is part of long-term peacekeeping initiatives that would contribute in further improving the state of peace and order in the locality and make La Trinidad a good place to live, do business, study and consider as a better place like home.
Tabanda appealed to owners of bars for utmost understanding because she is just implementing the provisions of a duly approved ordinance that was crafted to ensure the safety and security of local residents, especially during the night and to maintain descent peace in the locality.
For the people, she reminded them to first listen to both sides of the issues being raised against her implementing the liquor ordinance and they will understand that the primary purpose of the strict implementation of the measure is for the establishment of a peaceful community where better quality of life thrives.
By Dexter A. See
