DAVAO CITY — The Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) heightened its enforcement of the city’s Liquor Code as two bars along Cabaguio Avenue were caught operating beyond allowed hours and concealing their activities during a dawn inspection on Saturday, December 28, 2025.
PLtCol. Jay Francia, VRU Chief, confirmed in an interview that the team first inspected the BVT Club around 2:00 a.m. after receiving recurring complaints. Despite the bar’s main entrance being closed and its glass door covered with garbage bags to hide the inside view, numerous customers were found drinking inside.
Francia revealed that BVT Club even utilized a “secret entrance/exit” to evade inspection. The staff continued to lock both the front and rear doors even after seeing the enforcers arrive.
The VRU then moved to Be Vanda Bar next door, which was also found defying the local ordinance. At least 18 individuals, including the establishment, were issued citation tickets.
When the VRU returned to BVT Club past 3:22 a.m., the bar was once again caught with a crowd drinking inside—believing the enforcers had already left. This time, more than 40 individuals, along with the establishment, received citation tickets.
Francia said BVT Club has long been the subject of complaints due to its consistent early-morning operations and attempts to block visibility into the venue. Citing repeated violations, the VRU will recommend blocking the renewal of the bar’s business permit for 2026 to compel strict compliance with the city ordinance.
Temporary Suspensions Clarified
The VRU Chief also clarified reports regarding eight bars earlier believed to have been permanently shut down. Francia explained that these bars — located in Uyanguren, SK Compound, Obrero, and Toril — were only placed under temporary suspension for violating the Liquor Ban Ordinance during past operations.
According to the penalty structure, establishments received suspensions of 10, 15, or 30 days depending on the frequency and severity of violations. Some have already been allowed to reopen after completing penalties, particularly to sustain obligations toward employees and rental fees.
However, Francia warned that continued violations after suspension could lead to harsher sanctions. So far, six bars have been recommended for business permit blocking for 2026 due to persistent non-compliance.
He emphasized that permit blocking is not permanent and may be lifted once the business fully complies with the city’s laws and settles unpaid penalties.
Message to Bar Owners: Comply or Face Closure
The VRU assured continued coordination with the Business Bureau and other agencies to ensure strict adherence to operating hours and liquor-related ordinances — especially during the holiday season.
Francia reminded all bar owners:
“Follow the law to avoid serious penalties and a possible shutdown of your business.”
The city government continues to uphold a firm stance against violators, reaffirming that public safety and order remain the top priorities.