Cebu City enforces liquor ban over Sinulog weekend

The Cebu City Government is enforcing a temporary liquor ban beginning today and during the Sinulog Festival itself to safeguard public safety and ensure smooth traffic and transport operations during the city's grandest cultural celebration.

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The directive, issued through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and signed by Jan Nichol “Nico” Verzosa pursuant to Executive Orders No. 051 (2025) and No. 053 (2026), takes effect from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both January 17 and 18.

The prohibition covers the sale, distribution, possession, and public consumption of alcoholic beverages within a 300-meter radius of official festival routes and activity areas.

Although the Sinulog grand parade is scheduled for tomorrow, the city government noted that today's solemn procession is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of devotees, making the liquor ban equally necessary.

Business owners and vendors have been directed to “strictly comply” with the advisory and to inform their employees accordingly. Violators face fines, suspension or revocation of business permits, and possible administrative or criminal charges.

The liquor ban is part of a broader safety plan accompanying the implementation of carousel routes, designed to manage crowd movement and traffic flow.