Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Bayan of this municipality has amended an ordinance prohibiting and penalizing the sale, dispensation, and distribution of intoxicating drinks after 10:00 in the evening.
The council approved Municipal Ordinance No. 396, S. 2024, “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 122, S. 2008 otherwise known as The Liquor Ban Exemption Ordinance in the Municipality of Bontoc, Mountain Province.”
Sponsored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Dan Evert Sokoken, the council and Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., approved the ordinance, recognizing the importance of regulating the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes, restaurants, hotels, and motels while also regulating the sale, and dispensing of any intoxicating drinks at any outlet in Bontoc.
The ordinance was given the green light for implementation by the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Mountain Province, through Resolution No. 2024-381.
Under Section 3 of the ordinance, local establishments and business outlets in the municipality of Bontoc must comply with a SPECIAL PERMIT for the extension of time to sell liquor and other intoxicating drinks during special occasions. Those with special permits are subject to compliance with the guidelines and conditions, allowing the sale and dispensing of selling and dispensing the said products until midnight only during special occasions or as determined by the Municipal Mayor.
Further, Section 4 of the ordinance stipulates that the Special Permit shall be valid for a maximum period of 10 days from the date of issuance.
A permit fee of P1,500 is imposed for the Special Permit, which is non-refundable in case of revocation or recall.
Meanwhile, under Section 5, all establishments without the Special Permit must comply with the curfew hour for selling intoxicating beverages, which is 10:00 PM.
The Special Permit shall only be granted for special occasions such as the Christmas season until Three Kings, the Lang-ay and Am-among Festivals, the Provincial and CARAA Meets, alumni homecomings of schools in Bontoc from elementary to tertiary levels, and other special occasions deemed appropriate by the Municipal Mayor.
The authority of the Special Permit shall be valid for the duration of the special occasion or the period granted under the permit.
However, the Special Permit may be revoked or withdrawn for any violation of the terms and conditions of the ordinance.
The grounds for revocation of the special permit are specified under Section 6 of the ordinance: continuation of dispensing intoxicating beverages beyond the prescribed time limit; conducting business or dispensing drinks on sidewalks, roads, or public places; allowing lewd, indecent, or immoral activities within the establishment premises; allowing crimes, nuisances, neighborhood disturbances, raucous behavior, or acts of unjust vexation within the business establishment; preventing or hampering inspection or monitoring by the concerned authorities; and non-compliance with any instruction of law enforcement officers regarding the maintenance of public order, safety, morals, or convenience.** Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan, Bontoc LGU