Makati shuts down 6 bars over COVID-19 violations

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City government has shut down six bars for violating local laws that enforce health protocols against COVID-19.

In a statement yesterday, the city government said The Social Bar, Royal Indian Curry House, H & J Sports Bar and Restaurant, A Toda Madre Tequila Bar, Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen and Tambai Alley allegedly “violat(ed) quarantine protocols and the curfew ordinance,” but did not elaborate on the offenses.

Personnel from the city government’s business process and licensing office padlocked the bars and posted notices on their doors.

From 495 active COVID-19 cases in the city as of Thursday, 19 came from Barangay Poblacion.

Under City Ordinance 2020-165, bars remain closed whatever the community quarantine status imposed on the city. It also requires restaurants to implement limits in seating capacity depending on the community quarantine status enforced, and to provide maximum amounts of liquor to customers.

Also, City Ordinance 2020-152 bans people from drinking liquor outside their houses during a public health emergency.

In mid-June, mayors of Metro Manila agreed to shorten the curfew period and make it from midnight to 4 a.m.