Authorities have shut down and revoked the permits of two business establishments in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City for violating health and safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ordered closed by Mayor Abigail Binay were Movida Fashion Food and Club and Royal Club for operating past curfew hours and for allowing customers who violate safety protocols.
Binay warned other commercial establishments in the city and their clients that the local government will bring down the full force of the law on violators of city ordinances and safety protocols against COVID-19.
“We are alarmed by the blatant disregard for the law and cavalier attitude shown by these establishments and their clients. Let me remind everyone that we are still in a pandemic. With the presence of new variants, we need to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols at all times,” Binay said.
“I will not hesitate to shut down establishments that violate safety rules. Safety comes first. People’s lives are at stake here,” she added.
During the raid, some 51 individuals of various nationalities were apprehended at the establishments for violating curfew and safety protocols, including physical distancing.
The violators were released after being issued ordinance violation tickets with a P1,000-fine each.
City Ordinance No. 2020-165 which took effect on August 31, 2020 provides guidelines for the operations of all restaurants and fastfood businesses in the city during the pandemic, with specific provisions for each level of community quarantine.