Title
Regulation of Billiard, Pool Halls, Bowling Alleys
Law
Executive Order No. 327
Decision Date
Feb 19, 1941
Manuel L. Quezon's Executive Order No. 327 establishes strict regulations for the operation of billiard and pool halls and bowling alleys, including licensing requirements, operational hours, age restrictions, and prohibitions on alcohol and firearms, while ensuring compliance with local ordinances and maintaining public order.

Prohibited Locations

  • Establishment of billiard/pool halls and bowling alleys is barred within 200 meters of the following:
    • City or municipal halls
    • Provincial or national capitol buildings
    • Public plazas, parks, and athletic stadiums
    • Public schools, hospitals, churches
    • Institutions of learning or charity

Operating Hours

  • Billiard and pool halls, and bowling alleys are open to the public only from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight daily.
  • Extended hours allowed until 2:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Saturdays, days before official holidays, and town fiestas.
  • Bowling alleys in residential areas must close by 11:00 p.m.

Age Restrictions

  • Minors under 18 are prohibited from playing billiard or pool.
  • Minors under 12 are prohibited from playing bowling.

Prohibition on Intoxicants and Weapons

  • No sale of intoxicating liquor within the premises.
  • Firearms and deadly weapons are prohibited, except peace officers on official duty may carry them.

Filing of Protests and License Review

  • Any person may file a protest with the Secretary of the Interior against unauthorized locations.
  • The Secretary is empowered to investigate, decide cases, or cancel licenses after investigation.

Responsibility of Operators

  • Operators must ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Must maintain peace and order within the premises.

Appeal Process

  • Decisions by City or Municipal Treasurers regarding licenses can be appealed to the Secretary of the Interior.
  • The Secretary of the Interior's decision on appeal is final.

Revocation of Licenses

  • Licenses will be revoked if gambling or playing of prohibited games occurs on the premises.
  • Any violation of the regulations is grounds for license forfeiture.

License Fees

  • Minimum license fee set at ten pesos annually or two pesos fifty centavos quarterly per billiard or pool table, or per bowling alley.
  • Existing ordinances with higher fees remain effective unless overridden by the President.
  • City or municipal councils may impose higher fees with presidential approval.

Grandfather Clause and Compliance Period

  • Venues operating as of January 1, 1941, within prohibited zones must comply or close within one year.
  • Secretary of the Interior, with Presidential approval, may allow continuance in special cases with justifiable reasons.

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