Dagupan City will soon be liquor free during dawn through City Ordinance No. 653 or the liquor ban. (RMN.ph photo) DAGUPAN CITY — Establishments in this city will soon be prohibited from selling liquor or any alcoholic drinks from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. following the passage of City Ordinance No. 653 or the liquor ban by Sangguniang Panlungsod members on Monday.

Lawyer Jose Netu Tamayo, councilman and author of the ordinance, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday, said the ordinance aims to protect the health of Dagupeños as well as public order and safety in the city.

“It aims to prevent accidents and trouble incidents involving drunken persons in the city,” he said.

Tamayo, however, clarified that liquor ban in accredited establishments catering to tourists is from 3 a.m. up to 6 a.m.

“Since Dagupan City is the center of trade and tourism in the province, we adjusted the time for accredited restaurants and bars,” he said.

Tamayo added that for restaurants and bars to qualify as tourist hubs, the owners must register with the One Stop Business Center.

The Dagupan City Police Station and barangay officials will implement the liquor ban ordinance, he said.

“The ordinance covers not only the central business district but also the communities, hence police and barangay officials will enforce the ordinance,” Tamayo said.

He also urged barangay officials, who deem it necessary to start the liquor ban earlier than the prescribed time, to pass their own village ordinance.

“If they would like to start the liquor ban in their barangay earlier than 1 a.m., they can do so by passing a barangay ordinance on liquor ban in their community,” he said.

Violators will face suspension of business permit for one week (first offense), suspension of business permit for one month (second offense), and revocation of business permit (third offense), according to Tamayo.

The ordinance has gone through two committee hearings and one public hearing since March before it was finally approved.

“It will be implemented as soon as Mayor Belen Fernandez signs it, and then it will be published in a local newspaper. Probably, it will take a month before it will eventually be into full effect,” Tamayo said.

He added that the ordinance is in support of the government’s campaign against “tambays” or loiterers. (PNA)