Another measure regulating sell of acohol in Cebu City pushed

Local

AHEAD of the still-unfiled “Kingston Ralph Ordinance,” a separate alcohol regulation measure has been officially introduced at the Cebu City Council.

A proposed ordinance seeks to impose a formal “duty of care” on bars, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs, requiring them to refuse service to visibly intoxicated patrons and adopt preventive measures against alcohol-related harm.

Councilor Paul Labra, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order, filed the “Cebu City Responsible Alcohol Service Ordinance,” which mandates staff training and responsible liquor service practices for establishments serving alcohol.

Meanwhile, the measure accompanies a separate draft, tentatively dubbed the “Kingston Ralph Ordinance,” being prepared by Councilor Harold Kendrick Go. Both proposals emerged in the wake of a fatal hit-and-run incident in Barangay Banilad earlier this month.

The ordinance draws authority from Article II, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution, which underscores the State’s duty to maintain peace and order, and on Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which grants local governments police powers to promote general welfare.

If enacted, it would apply to all Cebu City establishments selling or serving alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption, including bars, nightclubs, lounges, restaurants, hotels, videoke spots, and similar venues.

Specifically, covered establishments must refuse further alcohol service to visibly intoxicated patrons—those showing slurred speech, impaired coordination, aggressive behavior, or other clear signs.

Staff must handle refusals professionally and non-discriminatorily, avoid promotions encouraging excessive or rapid drinking, and take reasonable precautions to prevent alcohol-related harm on or immediately around their premises.

In addition, the proposal mandates posting clearly visible advisories at entrances and counters, warning that service will be refused to intoxicated patrons, that driving under the influence carries penalties, and that safe transportation is encouraged.

The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) would set the minimum size and format for these notices.

A core requirement is Responsible Alcohol Service Training for managers, supervisors, bartenders, servers, and frontline staff handling alcohol sales.

The city-accredited program covers recognizing intoxication, lawful refusals, de-escalation, patron safety, and coordination with barangay officials or emergency contacts.

Furthermore, establishments must maintain records of trained personnel and show proof during inspections, with the BPLO partnering with the Cebu City Police Office and barangays for compliance checks.

Penalties escalate per violation: P3,000 fine for the first offense; P4,000 plus 10-day suspension for the second; and P5,000 with 15-day suspension per incident for third and subsequent offenses.

Each counts separately, with repeats possibly triggering reviews or extra training.

On a parallel track, Councilor Harold Kendrick Go is drafting the “Kingston Ralph Ordinance,” which would hold establishments liable for knowingly serving intoxicated patrons who later cause injury, death, or damage.

Both measures now head to committee hearings, inviting bar owners, industry stakeholders, legal experts, and the public to weigh in.(TGP)