Davao bans public drinking until December 31

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Residents of this city flocked to supermarkets and grocery stores yesterday to stock up on alcoholic drinks ahead of the imposition of a liquor ban from Nov. 2 until the end of the year.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the liquor ban aims to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 cases.

Carpio said COVID patients admitted that they could have contracted the virus in drinking sessions.

Under an executive order Carpio issued on Thursday, the round-the-clock liquor ban will be in effect until Dec. 31. It was reimposed along with curfew hours from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“No liquor and any other alcoholic or intoxicating drinks shall be sold, served or consumed in public 24 hours of the day,” the EO read.

“The Vices Regulation Unit and Barangay Council shall conduct vigorous surveillance of restaurants, fastfood, sari-sari stores and similar establishments and must immediately move for the closure of an establishment after a single violation is properly documented,” it added.

The liquor ban, which was implemented here on April 6, was lifted on Sept. 21 as the city government allows business establishments, including those in the liquor industry to resume operations.

Meanwhile, Carpio said the city government is adding five more temporary treatment and monitoring facilities for COVID-19 patients.

She said additional treatment facilities are needed to decongest the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

Carpio said only infected patients who need hospital care will be taken to the SPMC.