THE LOCAL government will strictly enforce existing liquor ban hours during the Kadayawan Festival 2026, rejecting requests from local establishment owners to extend operational hours past the mandatory cutoff.
Speaking on behalf of the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU), focal person and smoking cessation counselor Jalyn Pareja confirmed that the city government is keeping the current curfew in place despite prior appeals from nightlife and business operators.
Pareja disclosed that discussions were held over the past two to three months with local bar owners who lobbied to extend serving hours until 2 a.m. instead of the current 1 a.m. ban on sales.
“We are firm on our ordinance—there is no extension,” Pareja said. “Even though we have Kadayawan, we still follow the 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. prohibition on selling, and serving in bars remains strictly prohibited starting at 2 a.m.”
Under Davao City’s existing Liquor Code, the sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. daily, while establishments are required to stop serving drinks to patrons by 2 a.m.
Pareja clarified that while special permits are available for establishments seeking to sell or serve liquor during the festival, permit holders remain bound by the existing time restrictions specified under local law.
However, city authorities noted that proposed amendments to both the city’s Liquor Code and Anti-Smoking Ordinance are currently undergoing review.
The ongoing evaluation includes assessing potential future adjustments to operational hours and exploring framework options for temporary special extension permits during major events.
Despite the pending review, VRU emphasized that no changes will be implemented in time for Kadayawan 2026, urging residents, tourists, and business operators to strictly abide by local ordinances throughout the celebrations.
