The Baguio City Council is studying a proposal to limit the number of liquor outlets within single zones to help prevent untoward incidents that may arise from having too many drinking establishments concentrated in one area.
This proposal is among the provisions incorporated into the proposed Codified Liquor Ordinance of Baguio City.
Under Section 6 of the proposed ordinance, no two liquor outlets for on-site consumption may be located within 20 linear meters of each other.
For groceries, supermarkets, convenience stores that sell alcohol and dedicated liquor shops selling packaged alcohol for take-home, only one outlet is allowed per 6,000 residents.
For restaurants that serve liquor incidentally with meals, as well as bars, lounges, nightclubs, and beer gardens, only one outlet is allowed per 3,000 residents.
During the regular session of the Baguio City Council on April 20, 2026, Councilor Paolo Raynor Salvosa, to whom the proposed ordinance had been referred, said this provision was included in the latest version following suggestions from a non-government organization to address peace and order concerns arising from the close proximity of bars and pubs.
Salvosa explained that this provision, if approved, will apply prospectively, meaning it will cover only new applicants. Business establishments that are currently operating legally and serving or selling liquor will not be affected.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, main author of the proposed ordinance, recalled an earlier proposal dating back to former Councilor Galo Weygan to cluster all liquor outlets (particularly bars and pubs) into a single zone which runs counter to the current proposal.
According to Salvosa, the legality of the proposal will be examined, adding that nothing is final yet as the proposed ordinance will undergo further public consultations.
Other notable provisions of the proposed ordinance are the following:
Liquor-related businesses must comply with zoning rules and minimum distance requirements from sensitive establishments such as schools, churches, hospitals, and other public buildings, with 30 meters required within the Central Business District, 50 meters outside it for bars and similar establishments, and 20 meters for take-out liquor stores. Existing establishments that were legally constructed prior to the construction of such establishments shall be exempted.
New liquor establishments must not be located within 100 meters of City Hall, public service buildings, schools, churches, hospitals, athletic stadiums, dormitories, boarding houses, and public parks, although cultural events may be granted exemptions by the City Alcohol Regulation and Enforcement Task Force (CARE-TF).
All owners, managers, and staff involved in the sale, serving, or handling of alcoholic beverages are required to undergo annual Responsible Alcohol Server Training and secure an Alcohol Server Work Permit from the City Health Services Office (CHSO), renewable yearly upon completion of the required training.
Liquor-related establishments such as bars, night clubs, beer gardens, karaoke bars, sports bars, and similar venues are allowed to operate from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and from 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, with last call for alcohol orders at least one hour before closing and full clearing of customers by closing time, while retail liquor stores and similar take-home outlets may operate daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Nightclubs, bars, beer gardens, and similar entertainment establishments are required to employ at least one licensed security guard, subject to adjustment based on security assessment, to ensure safety measures such as screening of customers for weapons and prohibited items, while Guest Relations Officers and entertainers must also secure health certificates from the CHSO.
The City Mayor may revoke a business permit for liquor-related establishments upon proof of gambling activities or any violation of the ordinance, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate court action, and any fees paid shall be forfeited in favor of the city government.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan tasked the City Legal Office to submit its comments on the proposed amendatory ordinance for the guidance of the Baguio City Council.
The first draft of the proposed ordinance was introduced in 2020. Since then, public consultations and committee hearings have been conducted during both the previous and current terms. The proposal remains under revision to incorporate inputs from stakeholders. **Jordan G. Habbiling
