Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH)
The IRR apply to all dancing schools/studios, dance halls, discos/discotheques, night/day clubs, bars, cabarets, folkhouses, karaoke bars, videoke bars, music lounges, and other similar establishments, their facilities, premises, appurtenances, and personnel.
A dance hall is a public or privately owned room suitable for dances and offering facilities for dancing, including bistros, cabarets, discos, discotheques, ballroom dance halls, and similar establishments.
The drinking water supply must be adequate and potable, comply with Chapter II of P.D. 856, have a certificate of potability, maintain a minimum of 40 liters per capita per day, and all water piping must follow the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
Yes, no person or entity shall operate such establishments for public patronage without securing a sanitary permit issued by the city or municipal health office.
Violators are guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction may face imprisonment not exceeding six months, a fine not exceeding Php 1,000, or both, at the court's discretion.
Dance instructors/instructresses and entertainers must have updated health certificates issued by the local health officer, including physical, medical, immunization, and for nightclub entertainers, regular STD clearances at least every two weeks.
Operators are strictly prohibited from operating private rooms or separate compartments for public use, except those used for lavatories, dressing rooms, bars, and kitchens.
Inspections must be conducted at least every three months for Class A and dancing schools, every two months for Class B, and at least once a month for Class C establishments.
Sanitary inspectors or authorized officers of the Department of Health or local government may enter any establishment premises at reasonable times to conduct inspections or actions necessary for administration of the rules, upon presentation of proper credentials.