CH padlocks bar sans permit, unpaid dues

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu City government has ordered the closure of a resto bar at Don Jose Avila, Barangay Capitol Site for operating without a business permit and failure to pay business taxes.

Members of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team led by Racquel Arce implemented the order Friday against Blowing Bubbles Jazz Bar.

The closure order was signed by Mayor Michael Rama on August 28, a copy of which was received by the bar management on September 5.

“Close gyod siya unless maka-comply sila sa requirements like sa pag bayad sa business tax nila and ang pag-secure og business permit,” Arce told The FREEMAN.

A representative of the bar reportedly promised to comply with all of the requirements as soon as possible. The closure was upon the recommendation of the City Treasurer’s Office.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas said the Blowing Bubbles Jazz Bar had been operating without business permit and had not been paying its tax obligations to the city government.

Cuevas, however, could not give the amount yet because she left the records at her office.    

 “Wala nako ang documents karon, pero as far as I know is that base sa atong ordinance ang mapadad-an gyod nato og notice daan ang mga establishments nga dili makabayad og taxes in a year,” she said.

Cuevas said that her office was able to send three notices to the establishment to inform them of their payables. However, the establishment reportedly ignored the notices.

Cuevas said her office has sent many notices to other establishments already, adding that this is one way of showing the public that they are serious in the tax collection.

With this, she urged business establishments to follow the regulation in paying business tax.

“Dapat mo-follow lang gyod ta and dapat complete gyod atong requirements para wala’y sabit,” she said. (FREEMAN)