Quezon City liquor ban still in effect

MANILA, Philippines — The sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages remains prohibited in Quezon City for the duration of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

The ban was included in the community quarantine guidelines signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte last week. It will be in effect until April 30.

The guidelines also reiterated the curfew hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as agreed by Metro Manila mayors. Exempted from the curfew are those traveling for work in essential businesses and other emergencies.

“As an exception, essential activities may operate on a 24-hour basis, including public transportation, couriers, cargo vehicles, market deliveries, food take-out and delivery, pharmacies, hospitals, convenience stores and delivery of essential goods,” it said.

“Call centers, business process outsourcing, other businesses exporting goods or services may continue to operate 24 hours,” it added.

Sari-sari stores are allowed to operate only from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Neighborhood bakeries and carinderia or eateries may continue to provide take-out and food delivery services even during curfew hours, with no indoor dine-in allowed.

Outdoor dine-in services for restaurants are allowed only from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ambulant vendors registered with the barangays or the city’s Market Development and Administration Department may sell food and non-alcoholic beverages provided that they strictly follow health and safety protocols.

While market delivery or bagsakan may operate around the clock, the city government said retail operations of markets, talipapas and vending sites must be closed by 8 p.m.

Public transportation may operate provided that commuters must be one seat apart, with tricycles allowed to only have one passenger.

Those who died of COVID-19 must be cremated within 12 hours. Home services for the deceased are prohibited, with barangays reminded not to entertain requests for reconsideration.

Other activities and establishments not allowed during the MECQ include outdoor contact sports, indoor and outdoor tourist attractions and personal care services such as barber shops, beauty salons and massage therapy.

Home services for these personal care activities are likewise not permitted.