Editor’s Note: Tech and Lifestyle Journal advocates moderate and responsible drinking especially during these times. We also remind everyone to keep observing physical distancing and other safety precautions in line with our pandemic quarantine.
With the easing of the two-month enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) through the transition of Metro Manila to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on May 16, 2020, some city governments have also lifted the liquor ban they imposed within their jurisdictions.
The prohibition against the consumption of alcoholic beverages was imposed by most cities in the metro as a way to help fulfill the quarantine goals to flatten the curve. However, Makati City, Malabon City, and Taguig City did not impose liquor ban though they reiterated that residents shall only consume alcoholic drinks in private and that physical distancing shall be observed. There were also some areas within the three cities where selling of liquor has been prohibited until further notice.
On April 16, a day after the ECQ was extended in Metro Manila and the entire Luzon, the Center for Alcohol Research and Development (CARD) Foundation Inc. appealed to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to lift the liquor ban implemented along with the lockdown, citing the economic impact of the prohibition to the industry. In response, DTI pointed to the local government units to decide on the liquor ban in their respective areas.
Here are some of the cities in the metro that have already lifted the ban, as of this writing. San Juan City is still waiting for its city council to approve a proposal to lift the ban within its jurisdiction.
Pasay City
The City Government lifted its month-long ban on consumption of alcoholic beverages effective May 14, 2020. Pasay City implemented the prohibition on April 8 amid the enhanced community quarantine imposed in the entire Metro Manila (March 17 to May 15).
In its resolution, the Pasay City government stated that drinking any kind of liquor is allowed in the city as long as the consumers will be consuming the drinks inside their houses, and as long as physical distancing is observed. It also said the move is aimed at maintaining revenue of the small businesses and helping some residents “deal with their anxieties.”
Quezon City
The City Government implemented its Executive Order No. 31 on May 15, 2020 lifting the liquor ban across Quezon City but under specific regulations. The city residents shall buy any kind of alcoholic drink between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Consumption of any intoxicating beverage shall only be permitted within private residences during MECQ.
The Quezon City Government is also implementing the following limitations for the distribution or selling of alcoholic beverages:
Marikina City
The City Ordinance No. 62 Series of 2020 was implemented in the entire city on May 16, 2020. This lifts the liquor ban in Marikina City, including the prohibition on delivery services for alcoholic beverages during MECQ.
Update (May 20, 2020)
Caloocan City
The City Ordinance No. 0869 facilitates partial lifting of liquor ban in the city effective May 17. Selling and buying of alcoholic beverages are allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with a specific limit of consumption depending on the type of beverage:
– Beer — Five bottles/cans (500 mL or less) or two bottles per liter
– Wine — Two bottles (1 liter or less)
– Gin, whiskey, brandy, or other hard liquor — One bottle (1 liter or less)
Fines will be imposed for violations.
San Juan City
Liquor ban in the city is finally lifted, effective May 19, 2020. However, the City Government reminds its residents to drink only inside their residences and to observe physical distancing while doing so.
Mandaluyong City
Buying and drinking alcoholic beverages is now allowed effective May 19, 2020. City Ordinance No. 777 underlines consideration towards the domestic liquor industry but also reminds residents to avoid drinking in public areas.
(Update: May 26, 2020)
Pasig City
Through Twitter, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto announced the lifting of the liquor ban in the city, effective May 26, 2020. However, liquor consumption will still be restricted: only allowed inside homes and social/public drinking is still prohibited. Pasig City cited economic reasons for the move.