Will there be liquor ban, signal jam during Sinulog? Cebu City yet to finalize regulations

Local

AS the Sinulog Festival draws near, Cebu City officials are finalizing regulations to ensure peace and order during the event, including decisions on liquor consumption and street parties.

In an interview, Alfred Reyes, president of the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI), urged the city government to issue clear regulations as hotels prepare for the festival’s return to the main streets of Cebu City, following a two-year stint at South Road Properties.

Thus, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia confirmed the enforcement of a liquor ban, while the issue of street parties remains under review.

Garcia revealed that an executive order will soon prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol within a 200 to 300-meter radius of the grand parade route, specifying the hours during which the ban will apply.

While the liquor ban is confirmed, Garcia noted that the decision on street parties is still under evaluation. He is considering allowing these parties in establishments instead of on public streets but has not yet made a final decision.

The Committee on Peace and Order of the Cebu City Council has recommended that street parties not be outright banned but should be properly coordinated with local authorities.

Councilor Philip Zafra, who chairs the committee, emphasized that anyone wishing to hold a street party must first obtain a permit from the Office of the City Mayor, which will allow authorities to monitor and manage the events.

Zafra pointed out the importance of coordination, especially considering the limited number of police personnel in the city.

He explained that, due to the increasing number of Sinulog-related activities and the growing demand for additional events, the city cannot allow any gatherings without first ensuring proper arrangements for security, including the deployment of police officers, firemen, and emergency responders.

He also mentioned the need to collaborate closely with organizers to avoid issues seen during past Sinulog celebrations when street parties were not properly coordinated.

Zafra further noted that reinforcements from the province and region would be essential to ensure security throughout the festival.

Regarding the signal jam, Zafra opposed the measure, saying it would be impractical since mobile phones are key for communication.

He added that the police would ultimately make the final call on any security decisions.

With the grand parade returning to its traditional route in downtown Cebu City, local officials are preparing for the challenges posed by the scale of the event and potential emergencies.(MyTVCebu)