Biz owners told: No permit, no party

SINULOG 2024 The Cebu City government is reminding establishments organizing Sinulog parties to apply for permits or else their events will be halted.

In an interview with the media, Cebu City Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman of the Committee of Peace and Order, said that as street parties have been prohibited, the city government is enforcing the need of special permits to hold parties inside bars and establishments for the public's safety.

As such, Zafra said those who are planning to organize such parties should visit his office at the Cebu City Hall to apply for the said permits.

"Ang ato lang kung naa man gani moy mga activities in times sa Fiesta Señor, ato gyud silang giawhag nga mu connect sa atong office, kay dili ingon kita’y mag buot-buot but ang ato man gud na during this time man gud nga ma-maximize nato ang atong resources," Zafra.

Zafra explained that since there are several activities lined up for Sinulog 2024 celebration, it is important for them to have a record of parties so they can properly coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies involved.

"Kinahanglan baya na og deployment sa police, disaster and traffic, so dili na ma factor in sa among preparation, kuyaw kaayo kung naay mahitabo sa inyong partyparty nya wa na mapahibaw namo," said Zafra.

According to Zafra, the lack of coordination from their office may be a "black eye" to the peace and order preparation. As he emphasized the importance of securing special permits, Zafra warned in advance that parties without permits will immediately be halted.

As of this writing, Zafra said they only received a few number of special permit applications. But Zafra said his office is it still open to more applications.

"So warning ninyo nga kung mahibaw-an gyud namo, amo gyung ipahunong basta way special permit," said Zafra.

Mayor Michael Rama has earlier announced that apart from not allowing street parties, there will be strict enforcement of the “liquor ban” in public places this Sunday.

Unlike the previous year wherein the liquor ban was only implemented around the vicinity of the South Road Properties (SRP), Rama said that the liquor ban will be implemented in the entire c i t y.

“They should be aware about it because ang mugubot ra gyud sa main, gikan ra gyud na sa balay ba… unya manobra na musulod pa gyud, nya og walay liquor ban, unsay mahitabo?” Rama told the media.