Liquor ban eyed in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc is eyeing a liquor ban in the entire province to replicate an ordinance being implemented in Davao City, where drinking liquor is only up to 1 a.m.. The governor believes that if a liquor ban will be imposed in the province, this will help reduce road accidents and crime. He said he would talk to Vice Governor Cecille Araneta Marcos to come up with an ordinance that will regulate the drinking and selling of liquor in the province with corresponding penalties for violators. Manotoc proposed that from Sunday to Thursday, there will be no selling of alcoholic beverages starting 10 p.m. and from Friday to Saturday, drinking liquor is only up to midnight. Colonel Cesar Pasiwen, Ilocos Norte police provincial director, said the proposed liquor ban will help lessen vehicular accidents and help maintain peace and order in the province. (Freddie G. Lazaro)