Sale of alcohol to be prohibited in Boracay during election

BORACAY ISLAND – If you’re planning to spend the long weekend leading to election day on May 9 in this world-famous of local and foreign tourists, be forewarned that restaurants, bars, resorts and stores will not be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages on May 8 until the voting centers close the next day.

This was disclosed by Commission on Elections Aklan head Roberto Salazar who said the poll agency will be strictly implementing the liquor ban on May 8 and 9.

But he said Boracay businesses can seek an exemption from Comelec-Aklan.

“Only Boracay-based establishments accredited by Department of Tourism (DOT-6) can apply for liquor ban exemption from Comelec-Aklan,”  he said.

In the 2010 and 2013 elections, Salazar said only a handful of Boracay businesses applied for permit to legally sell liquor.

Aside from Boracay Island, Salazar is urging other applicants in the towns of Aklan province to also have their exemption permits processed.

Meanwhile, at least 50,000 tourists are expected to flock this famous resort island for the celebration of Labor Day on May 1.

The Malay Tourism Office said the week-long celebration, dubbed as Laboracay, attracts thousands of vacationers for the numerous events and promotional activities sponsored by various networks and companies.

Now on its third year, Laboracay activities will be held on April 27 to May 3 with highlights during Labor Day.

Malay Chief Tourism Officer Felix delos Santos said security preparation as well as clean-up activities are already in place for Laboracay.

In last year’s Laboracay week, the tourism office recorded a total of 50,099 tourist arrivals.

In line with this, members of the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) are also on full alert for the expected influx of tourists.

Insp. Jose Mark Anthony Gesulga, deputy chief of BTAC said over a hundred police and force multipliers have tightened security especially at the White Beach area where most of the events will be held.