Location Restrictions
- Bars cannot be established within 200 meters of city or municipal halls, provincial or national capitol buildings, public plazas, schools, churches, hospitals, stadiums, parks, or charitable institutions.
Building Requirements
- Bars must be well-lit at all times, eliminating dark corners.
- Must be maintained in good sanitary condition.
- Private rooms or separate compartments (except lavatories, dressing rooms for ladies, and kitchens) are prohibited.
Operating Days and Hours
- Bars operate from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight daily except:
- Saturdays and days before official holidays or town fiestas: can operate until 2:00 a.m. next day.
- Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: exemptions apply.
- Bars also operating as restaurants or cafes may serve meals or non-intoxicating drinks outside these hours.
- Any establishment selling alcoholic beverages is considered a bar for operational limitations.
Restrictions on Persons
- No admission to minors under 18 years, intoxicated persons, or persons with deadly weapons (except government officials on duty).
- Minors under 15 years are never admitted; minors 15-17 may be admitted in private parties accompanied by parents/guardians.
- Female employees (hostesses, waitresses, dancers) must be at least 21 years old or 18-20 with parental consent, and must have a quarterly health certificate proving they are free from contagious diseases.
- Employment prohibited for those convicted of disorderly or immoral conduct or those found with infectious diseases.
- Female employees cannot remain on premises after closing hours.
Supervision and Enforcement
- The Department of the Interior supervises and enforces these regulations.
- City or municipal mayors may assign police officers to maintain peace and enforce rules.
Requirements for Permit Issuance
- Permits are issued by the city or provincial treasurer or duly authorized representative.
- No permit issued unless the applicant complies with all provisions.
Licensing and Fees
- Operators must obtain a license from the local treasurer.
- License fees: minimum Php 100 annually or Php 25 quarterly.
- Existing higher fees remain until changed by the President.
- Local councils may impose higher fees with presidential approval.
Filing Complaints
- Individuals may file protests with the Secretary of the Interior if a bar operates in unauthorized locations.
- Secretary authorized to investigate and cancel permits/licenses as necessary.
Appeals Process
- Decisions by local treasurers on permits and licenses may be appealed to the Secretary of the Interior.
- The Secretary's decision is final.
Revocation of Permits for Gambling
- Permits and licenses must be revoked if gambling is found on bar premises.
Penalties for Violations
- Violations result in permit withdrawal and license revocation by the Secretary of the Interior.
- Revocation causes forfeiture of all fees paid to the local government.
Transitional Provisions for Existing Bars
- Bars operating as of January 1, 1941, that violate location or building standards have one year to comply, close, or relocate.
- The Secretary of the Interior with presidential approval may allow exceptions for justifiable reasons.