BY ADRIAN P. NEMES III
The curfew and partial liquor bans are still in effect in Bacolod as the city remain under the more relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine status until the end of this month.
This was the order of Bacolod Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia yesterday through Executive Order 2, series of 2021, despite the appeal made by the business sectors last week to lift the curfew and the partial liquor ban especially for those aged 23 years old and above to revitalize the income of the night businesses.
The appeal was jointly made by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental, and the Resort Association of Negros Island.
Leonardia said curfew hours should still be in effect from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. with the exception of those who work night shifts, media practitioners, and those who are involved in public emergencies.
But he stressed that the curfew hours may still be adjusted at anytime within the duration of the MGCQ through the exercise of his emergency powers granted under City Ordinance 947, series of 2020, and other applicable laws.
Leonardia also said that the serving of liquor and alcoholic beverages would still be from noon to 6 p.m. and consumption should be made within private residences.
Should there be any national order regarding the sale and consumption of liquor, a separate EO will be issued, he added.
MASS GATHERINGS, TRAVEL
Mass gatherings such as movie screenings, concerts, and other entertainment activities as well as religious activities will still be allowed provided that the attendance should not exceed the 50 percent capacity of the venue, Leonardia said.
The Bacolod City government may forge inter-local government unit agreements to mutually institute integrated policies and common health protocols and standards and safety mechanisms for the protection and welfare of their respective populations, he said. Leonardia added that the Emergency Operations Center will continue to be the focal point in targeting the hotspots in the spread and contamination of Covid-19 and eventually for vaccination programming.*
