Boracay Businesses Can Apply for Liquor Ban Exemption During 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections

As the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) draw near, scheduled for October 30, 2023, businesses in Boracay are bracing for the imposition of a nationwide liquor ban. However, a new advisory from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offers a silver lining for establishments on the famed tourist island.

The Advisory and its Impact on Boracay

The liquor ban, detailed in COMELEC Resolution No. 10924, generally prohibits the selling, furnishing, or consumption of alcoholic beverages across the Philippines on the day before the election. Given Boracay’s status as a prime tourist destination, the ban could significantly impact the island’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Criteria for Exemption

COMELEC’s advisory includes provisions for exemptions, aimed primarily at tourist-oriented establishments. To be eligible, businesses must fulfill the following requirements:

Oath-Based Request: The business must submit an application for exemption under oath, confirming that the owner or operator has not been convicted of any election offense.
Tourism Certification: A certification from the Department of Tourism is required, stating that the establishment is tourist-oriented and habitually caters to foreign tourists.
Business License: Proof of a current license to operate in the Philippines, or specifically in Boracay, must be included, as stated in the establishment’s Business Permit.
Tax Compliance: The business needs to show evidence of having paid all required taxes and fees, either to the national or local government. This can be verified through the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Certificate of Registration and/or a Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit.

How to Apply for Exemption

Businesses in Boracay wishing to apply for the exemption should submit their applications along with supporting documents to the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor.