9 city pubs closed for violating EO 46

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

NINE leisure establishments in Iloilo City were “ordered closed” for five days for violating Executive Order (EO) No. 46 or the “General Bar Guidelines” for nightspots and other leisure establishments.

Mayor Jerry Treñas issued the closure order on Tuesday after approving the recommendation of the implementing team composed of Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), Task Force on Moral and Values Formation (TVMF), City Legal Office (CLO), Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), and Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO).

The composite team served the closure orders on Tuesday afternoon on the following establishments:

1. Camp Jefferson Disco Pub, Iznart Street, Iloilo City
2. Angel A Resto, , Smallville Business Complex, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
3. Sinukad GP Seafood Restaurant, Paseo De Arcangeles, Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
4. Bull & Barrel Gastro Pub, City Time Square, Gaisano Capital, Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
5. HQ Beercade, City Time Square, Gaisano Capital, Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
6. Floyd’s Famous BBQ, Vertex Building, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
7. Paraiso After 5 Disco Cafe and Restaurant Bar, J.M. Basa Street, Arsenual-Aduana, Iloilo City
8. Project Ex Sports Bar and Resto Co. City Time Square, Gaisano Capital, Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
9. Juan’s Martha Foods Corporation, Door 4, Smallville Business Complex, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City

EO 46-2019 repealed EO 146 issued in 2017 which barred nightspots from operating beyond 2 a.m.

The repeal took effect after bars and other leisure establishments promised to follow some rules, especially on security matters.

Under EO 46, a “General Bar Guidelines” was formulated for strict compliance of owners and operators of bars and establishments in the city.

Some of the guidelines include that all establishments must have their own security guards/bouncers to secure their respective premises; body search and frisking of bags shall be implemented strictly on everyone who enters their premises; CCTVs or security cameras shall be installed inside and outside the premises and shall be functioning at all times; serving of alcoholic drinks to minors is strictly prohibited and strict compliance of the city’s ‘No Smoking Ordinance’, among others.

EO 46 also imposed a one-strike policy on any violations of the provisions and will immediately be a ground for the cancellation of business permits and/or closure of bar establishments.

The nine establishments failed to install CCTVs in their areas, have no security guards and bouncers and served alcoholic drinks to minors, based on reports.

Meanwhile, the establishments are directed to execute an Affidavit of Undertaking to comply with the deficiency on the guidelines of EO 46, according to Treñas.

The establishments must also secure a clearance permit from BPLO to operate their business establishments after the period of closure.

“After period of closure, you are hereby directed to secure a clearance/permit from BPLO for the operation of your business establishment,” the order reads.