Quezon City lifts liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has lifted the ban on the sale of liquor after Metro Manila and nearby provinces reverted to the less strict general community quarantine or GCQ.

Under the updated GCQ guidelines, licensed liquor dealers are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments are also allowed to accept dine-in customers, with a maximum of two alcoholic drinks from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. These may only be consumed with meals while inside the premises of the establishment.

Drinking in public places remains prohibited.

The city government discouraged friends and relatives from different households from engaging in drinking sessions to curb the transmission of COVID-19.

Quezon City retained the use of quarantine passes for persons leaving their homes for non-leisure activities such as buying essential goods.

Quarantine passes are not required for workers in permitted industries, provided that they have a company ID to prove their employment.

“Persons entering establishments such as commercial buildings, markets and shopping centers should present a company ID or barangay quarantine pass,” read the guidelines signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte on Aug. 19.

Each barangay may issue up to two quarantine passes per household.

The city government also retained the public safety hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., which is aligned with the unified curfew being implemented in Metro Manila.

Under the guidelines, food take out and delivery, pharmacies, hospitals, convenience stores and markets are allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis.

The city also updated its policy on motorcycle back-riding, specifically on the use of transparent barrier, which is required only for those living in different households.