QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Muntinlupa City is now allowed during non-curfew hours, as an amendment to a previous liquor ordinance.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance No. 2021-246 on Monday allowing the sale and consumption of liquor during non-curfew hours (beyond the 12 midnight to 4 a.m. curfew). Previously, city residents can only buy alcoholic beverages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fresnedi said the decision to ease the regulation on the sale of liquor aims to gradually open the economy and promote economic growth.

However, the local exec has reminded city residents that the initiative is for economic reasons and that health and safety should not be compromised.

“While we introduce the easing of limitation on the sale and consumption of liquor, I implore everyone to be responsible and to continue observing health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shield, following physical distancing, and frequent hand washing,” Fresnedi said.

Under the new ordinance, the sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages to minors and those already intoxicated shall still be prohibited.

Further, social drinking involving individuals not living in the same residence nor member of the same household is still not allowed, even when done inside a private residence. While, sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages shall be allowed in commercial establishments permitted by the IATF and other implementing agencies.

Business establishments who will violate the ordinance shall be meted with the following penalties: closure of one week for first offense and revocation of business permit for second offense.

Further, violating persons who are sellers shall receive P2,000 penalty for first offense and P5,000 for second offense, while those who are buyers will be penalized with P2,500 for their first offense and P5,000 for second offense.

Members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station, Public Order and Safety Office, City Security Office, Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau, Business Permit and Licensing Office, Barangay Chairpersons and their personnel, and other deputized individuals will conduct inspections in commercial establishments to ensure that the local ordinance is followed.

The Metro Manila Council of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) adopted Resolution No 21-10 Series of 2021 setting the Standardized and Unified Curfew Hours in the National Capital Region from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. starting on June 15, 2021 through the Metro Manila Local Government Units.

As of July 12, Muntinlupa City has 14,188 confirmed cases with 13,417 recoveries, 391 active cases, 380 reported deaths, 49 suspect cases, and 1,432 probable cases. (PIA-NCR)