Stores to face closure if customers leave drunk

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants an ordinance that will allow the City Government to close convenience stores selling liquor if their customers leave their premises drunk.

Osmeña said he is floating the idea because of several complaints regarding the matter.

"My proposal is that we're going to pass an ordinance that if we catch anyone who leaves a convenience store drunk, whether adult or minor, we will close the store," he told reporters.

But the mayor said convenience stores can still sell liquor.

"If you want to serve beer, it's okay because I don't want to be a killjoy, but if their customers leave drunk, we will close the store," he said.

Councilor Dave Tumulak said he supports the mayor's plan.

Tumulak said that in some instances, the mayor can immediately close the convenience store because allowing customers to drink liquor within its premises is a violation of its business permits.

"Some of them place tables and chairs as extensions of their store and end up encroaching on the property line sa adjacent property," Tumulak said.

Tumulak, who is the deputy mayor for police matters, said he will ask the police and the treasurer's office to remind convenience stores not to violate the City's liquor policy. /