Mayor warns establishments selling liquors to minors

By Glazyl Y.Masculino

BACOLOD City – “Kung madakpan kamo, sorry na lang (If you get caught, sorry).”

This was stressed by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, in a media interview this week, as he warned business owners who continue to serve liquors to minors.

Benitez said that once a complaint reaches their office, and they have validated it, the business establishment will face the consequences of their actions.

“No need to warn them. Kabalo na sila kung ano ang indi puwede, and puwede (They know what is allowed and what is not),” he added.

Benitez made this statement following the incident involving a female minor, who was allegedly sexually molested by a college student in a restobar here early this month.

The victim was invited by her female friend to the bar, where she met the four men, who are the latter’s friends.

The incident happened while the victim was drunk, as seen in a viral video posted on social media last week.

Following this, Benitez said the city has found out that the restobar has no business permit, thus it was ordered closed this week due to its violation.

The mayor said the establishment will be closed until they can comply with the requirements.

Benitez said that by next year, the local government will have a comprehensive system to be able to regulate businesses without permits, and apprehend violators.

He said there are still a lot of establishments here that operate without business permits.