Definitions
- Detailed terms including definitions for BAR, CABARET, DANCE, DANCE HALL, DANCE INSTRUCTOR, DANCING SCHOOL/STUDIO, DEPARTMENT (DOH), DISCO/DISCOTHEQUE, EGRESS, EQUIPMENT, ENTERTAINERS, ESTABLISHMENT, FOOT CANDLE, FUNCTION ROOM, HAZARD, FOLKHOUSE/KARAOKE BAR/VIDEOKE BAR/MUSIC LOUNGE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT, LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, SANITARY PERMIT, SECRETARY (of Health), VERMIN, and more.
Sanitation Requirements for Operation
- Mandatory sanitary permit required prior to operation.
- New or altered establishments require new sanitary permits.
- Application and renewal filed with local health office with payment of fees.
- Change in ownership must be noted within 14 working days.
- Sanitary permits valid until end of calendar year; revocation/suspension possible for violations.
- Permit must be posted publicly.
- Records of all permits to be maintained by local government.
General Requirements for Sanitary Permit Issuance
- Water Supply: Adequate, potable, complying with standards; private supplies regulated; running water pressure of 20 psi required; water tested regularly.
- Food and Drinks: Compliance with food establishment regulations.
- Sewage and Drainage: Proper disposal via public or approved methods; grease traps required.
- Solid Waste Management: Waste segregation, vermin-proof receptacles, daily disposal, clean storage areas.
- Vermin Control: Required abatement programs; screening and rat-proofing; pesticide use under supervision.
- Sanitary Facilities: Adequate wash-hand basins and toilets per capacity with structural and maintenance standards.
- Structural Requirements: Location zoning, floor, wall, ceiling materials and maintenance, lighting standards, sound and vibration control, ventilation, dance area size, changing rooms, and egress requirements.
- First Aid: Establishments must provide first aid kits and emergency contact information.
VIP Room Requirements
- Permitted with minimum 15 sqm, max 8 persons, proper sanitation and ventilation standards.
- Doors must be swing-type without locks.
- Food handling and vermin control per food establishment rules.
- Total floor area for function rooms limited to half the establishment.
- Private rooms for public use are prohibited except for lavatories, dressing rooms, bars, kitchens.
Plan Review and Approval
- New establishments must submit plans for approval covering all sanitation aspects.
- Existing establishments must conform to new standards upon renovation.
Personnel Requirements
- All personnel must wear clean garments, observe hygiene; smoking restricted; drugs prohibited.
- Health certificates mandatory for dance instructors, entertainers, food handlers, and other personnel with specific forms and validity periods.
- Regular medical and STD screening required.
Requirements for Dance Students/Trainees
- Medical certification of physical fitness required.
- Additional examination including ECG for those 40 years and above.
Classification of Establishments
- Class A (≥90%), Class B (≥70%), Class C (≥50%) sanitation ratings.
- Downgrades and upgrades handled via inspection and application process.
- Air conditioning compulsory for Class A and B dining areas except high altitude.
- Public display of classification placards mandatory.
- Misuse of Class A or Grade A terms prohibited.
Evaluation and Inspection
- Local health officer responsible for quarterly or more frequent inspections.
- Fees imposed as per local ordinances.
- Inspections require mission orders and proper inspector identification.
- Detailed inspection forms record compliance; sanitation standard colors assigned.
- Reports provided to operators with grace periods for correction.
- Non-compliance leads to revocation procedures including hearings.
- Summary suspension or immediate action possible for public health hazards.
- Right of entry for authorized officers to conduct inspections.
Responsibilities of Operators
- Post sanitary permits, maintain updated health certificates and sanitation standard stickers.
- Provide first aid and report accidents/diseases.
- Conduct emergency drills and maintain cleanliness.
- Prohibit private rooms except as allowed.
- Prevent overcrowding and designate smoking/non-smoking areas.
- Cooperate with inspections and public health campaigns.
Duties of Local Health Officers
- Conduct regular inspections, enforce compliance.
- Check STD clearances for entertainers.
- Implement safety and communicable disease control.
- Coordinate with other agencies and enforce regulations.
Duties of Local Government Units
- Enact ordinances for enforcement.
- Provide resources for inspection.
- Upgrade health facilities and enforce sanitation codes.
Penalties
- Violations result in misdemeanor charges with imprisonment up to six months, fines up to Php 1,000, or both.
- Obstruction of health officials or tampering with notices similarly penalized.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the rest of the rules.
- Prior inconsistent rules are repealed or amended.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect 15 days after publication in official gazette or newspaper of general circulation.