Drinking at Boracay beach front OK’

BORACAY — Some stakeholders and the municipal government of Malay recently agreed that drinking beer be allowed at the beach front here.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Boracay, Boracay Foundation Inc., Boracay Solid Waste Management experts, local media and representatives from the Malay government held an emergency meeting following an incident involving several tourists.

The tourists were allegedly confronted by a member of the Municipal Auxiliary Policemen (MAP) and were given a citation ticket.

Upon their review of the municipal ordinance, the stakeholders realized that only eating food was prohibited at the beach front. Drinking was allowed.

The Malay government together with the MAP has been enforcing the ordinances in this resort island since December 2, creating a surprise to several stakeholders here.

The ordinances include anti-littering, anti-smoking and no-eating at the beach front.

“We also agreed on a possible revision of the ordinance. Now, our focus is to prevent resort owners from placing tables and chairs at the beach front, especially during day time,” said Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero.

“We have also agreed that drinking should be allowed,” said Gallenero.

Since the ordinance does not prohibit drinking at the beach front, “then so be it,” said PCCI President Ariel Abriam.