Lawmakers seek liquor ban for those under 21 years old, mentally unfit

A measure banning sale of liquor to minors and persons with mental condition has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte and Benguet Representative Eric Yap made the proposal under House Bill 1753  or the Anti-Underage Drinking Act which seeks to penalize persons or private entities caught making liquor available to unqualified individuals.

The bill defines unqualified individuals as persons under 21 years old, or those aged 21 but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.

"The youth has a vital role in nation-building and it’s the duty of the state to promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being," Duterte said in a statement.

For the first offense, those found in violation will undergo counselling administered by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) before the offenders are turned over to parent/s or guardian/s.

Subsequently, the offender will be required to attend, together with the parent/s or guardian/s, two consecutive regular sessions of counselling conducted by the BCPC. Non-compliance with the requirement will elevate the matter to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Any person of legal age or any establishment who violates any of the provisions of the bill, on the other hand, will be meted a fine of P50,000 or imprisonment of not more than three months.

For succeeding offenses, both penalties will apply in addition to the revocation of the license to operate a business connected with the selling of alcohol or alcoholic beverages.

"If the violation is committed by a corporation, partnership, association or similar entity, the president, general manager, or most senior officers will be held liable for the offense.

Any public officer vested with the duty to implement the law, who shall knowingly and maliciously prevent, prohibit, refuse, discontinue, or violate the implementation of any provisions of the bill, or any of the rules and regulations promulgated in accordance thereof, will be meted prison time of not less than one month but not more than six months and temporary suspension from public service.

The liable officer will, in addition to imprisonment, also be held administratively accountable under applicable laws.—AOL, GMA News