Stores have until Nov. 15 to remove liquor products

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has given convenience stores located within a 100-meter radius from schools until November 15 to dispose of liquor products.

City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the Cebu City Liquor Licensing Commission has decided to call the attention of convenience stores near schools because it has noticed that many of them are reportedly selling and serving liquor to students.

Mercado said the commission is implementing City Ordinance 1413 or the Liquor Licensing Ordinance.

C.O. 1413 states that no liquor license shall be issued to any person, partnership, firm or corporation whose place of business is within the residential zone of urban areas and within 100 meters from the peri-meter or property boundary line of any school or hospital.

“Naka-notice man gud mi nga pareha sa 7-Eleven, nakit-an nato nga ni-sprout na sila sa city and mostly sa ilang locations kay near gyud sa schools,” she said.

She said the commission has met with the Visayas franchise head of 7-Eleven and the two parties have agreed that the establishment will pull out its liquor products.

“Nakita man gud nato sa ilaha nga there are lots of franchises near sa schools and duna gyoy outlets ani nga nag-sell and serve gyud,” Mercado said.

Mercado said that they are not limiting to the said establishment, adding that it all applies to all convenient stores especially to those that are located within the 100-meter radius of schools.

“Katong outside sa 100-meter, puwede mo-sell but dili puwede i-display. Dapat sell ra and not serve,” she said.

She said the 10-percent amelioration tax for alcoholic beverage that every customer buys from convenience stores should not be an excuse for the city not to follow its mandate of ensuring peace and order, much more protecting students and the youth in general. (FREEMAN)