Resto bars reminded on commitment to follow rules

“We have to send a strong message that the city does not tolerate any violations of  its rules and regulations.”   

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said during the media forum, Dec. 16, at City Hall as he mentioned  that the  recent closure of several local resto bars  for continuing to violate regulations despite already being given notices of violations.  

“The reason that we are strict in implementing the rules is to make sure that they are complying with a signed commitment to follow regulations that they presented to us.  However, we later found out that some of the signatories, including several of their leaders, are the violators themselves,” the Mayor said.    

He said establishments that were ordered shut pretended to be closed  but were actually operating and  filled with people inside, many drunk, and not following minimum public health standards.      

The Mayor said he asked their association for another commitment and is happy to note that they are currently policing their own ranks and is commending them for cooperating with the city government.      

“All we are asking is that we will not be strict with them as long as they strictly follow their commitment in following the city’s rules and regulations,” the Mayor stressed.     

For his part, Allan Bandoy, Baguio Association of Bars and Entertainers (BABES) president, assured the Mayor of their full cooperation and even recommended the revocation of permits of these erring establishments to serve as a lesson for others.  

“We don’t tolerate these kinds of resto bars operating in Baguio that continue to violate the city’s rules and ordinances,” he said. – Gaby B. Keith