Sembrano bats for amusement ride rules

IN THE height of debates over amusement parks setting up in the city, Councilor Elaine Sembrano is bating for regulations.

In an ordinance, the lady councilor wants to set regulations for the operation of amusement rides and theme parks in the Summer capital.

Sembrano said the proposed law aims to promote general welfare, health and safety of the community.

“No, this is not an offshoot of the Ola carnival and SM project. There is no existing ordinance in regulating amusement rides and theme parks yet. It is better to be proactive in identifying and preventing potential problems than being reactive,” Sembrano added.

Sembrano explained the setup of amusement rides and theme parks will be subject to the regulatory powers of the local government unit concerned giving more emphasis on its safety features.

Citing provisions of the Local Government Code, the City Council should enact ordinances to regulate the establishment, operation, and maintenance of any entertainment or amusement facilities, including theatrical performances, circuses, billiard pools, public dancing schools, public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors, and other places for entertainment or amusement; regulate such other events or activities for amusement or entertainment, particularly those which tend to disturb the community or annoy the inhabitants, or require the suspension or suppression of the same; or, prohibit certain forms of amusement or entertainment in order to protect the social and moral welfare of the community as a basis for the proposed law.

At present, there are proposals to set up theme parks in the city as well as ongoing projects involving amusement rides.

The Sembrano law has passed it first reading and may be set for public hearing.

“Should there be a public hearing, concerned offices and stakeholders will be invited, there is no distinction as to public or private rides. Amusement rides generally is the subject matter,” she said.

In the proposed law, the authority to operate rides will be granted by the city council before any permit is given to an applicant who has to comply with a set of qualifications.

Under the new law regulatory mechanisms on how to operate amusement rides and theme parks will also be set stating clear operator’s obligations compliance to location and distance [pursuant to Ordinance No. 63 series of 2016, (Zoning Ordinance)] age limits on who can enter and use rides and provisions on set up of games of chance.

Rules on allocation for parking areas are also set so as not to congest city roads.