The city council granted the request of night establishments in Baguio to lift the time limit on the serving of liquor beginning this month until May.

The three-month reprieve is meant to accommodate tourists who are expected to flock to Baguio for the Panagbenga and summer vacation.

The resolution granting the three-month reprieve will be submitted to Mayor Mauricio Domogan for his approval.

Pending before the city council is the proposed ordinance prescribing that all  midnight establishments close at 2 a.m. At present, the uniform closing is midnight.

The Baguio City Police Office recommended for the city council to retain the same time, but the Baguio Association of Bars and Entertainers (Babes) asked the council to amend the closing time to 2 a.m.

The BCPO said maintaining the midnight closing time would greatly help the police in their peace and order campaign. 

Under Ordinance 88-2009, establishments with dancing are allowed to operate from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. while those without dancing are mandated to operate from 3 p.m. to midnight and liquor retail is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Babes said the midnight closing time is not enough for them to earn income as well as to recoup operational expenses.