QC orders bars, karaoke venues, spas to close at midnight during ASEAN 2026

Bars, karaoke venues, spas, massage parlors, internet cafes and other businesses in Quezon City covered by the SAFE SEAL Ordinance must close at midnight during the ASEAN Summit, the city government said.

In a statement, the Quezon City government said that the mandatory midnight closure is part of heightened security measures during the summit, which will be held in the Philippines from November 15 to 21.

"Mayor Joy Belmonte signed Executive Order No. 42 requiring establishments covered by the city’s SAFE SEAL Ordinance to close by midnight, subject to specified exemptions," the LGU said.

According to the Quezon City government, the Stops All Forms of Exploitation (SAFE) Seal is "is a voluntary certification granted to business establishments that promote and implement safety and protection measures against all forms of exploitation, including human trafficking."

Exemptions

The LGU said that while hotels, resorts, apartelles, tourist inns, motels, pension houses, homestays, and condominiums may remain open for accommodation purposes after midnight, any restaurants, restobars, drinking lounges, and similar venues within these properties must follow the ordinance and be closed by 12 a.m.

"Fast-food chains and convenience stores that operate 24/7 are also exempt from the closing requirement," the LGU said.

The Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Summit from November 15 to 21, 2026. — BM, GMA News

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