SK Bulanao Norte passes ordinance penalizing stores selling liquors, cigarettes to minors

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Protecting the youth from bad effects of vices like liquors and cigarettes, the Sangguniang Kabataan in Bulanao Norte made the move to penalize stores selling to minors through passage of an ordinance.

The Ordinance No. 20 Series of 2024 entitled ‘An Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale of Liquor and Cigarettes to Minors in Barangay Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City, Kalinga’ was a timely move with drunk driving implicating minors have been observed in the city’s vehicular accidents.

Under the ordinance, any establishment or individual found selling the prohibited items to youngsters in Bulanao Norte will be fined P500 for the first offense or have their business permit revoked or their store closed if offense is repeated. 

SK Chairman Marion Tombaga explained they passed such measures to protect the physical and moral development of minors in their area and to ensure they would not suffer any health issues and have ‘delinquent behavior’ due to liquor and cigarettes.

The SK Chairman also raised concerns about some teens getting involved in fights and road accidents due to intoxication.

“Kayat mi nga protektaran dagituy ubbing, maysa nga rason gamin iti bisyo da isunga ada iti gulo ken disgrasya iti barangay mi. Dagiay panag barbartek da iti dalan ket isu ti cause ti disgrasya da,” he explained.

Copies of the ordinance have already been posted by SK Bulanao Norte in all establishments in the barangay.

Tombaga appealed to store owners in Bulanao Norte to adhere to the ordinance and help them ensure the welfare and safety of the youngsters.