Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — If presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte gets his way, liquor sales will end by 1 a.m., and drinking done by 2 a.m.
But this is not bothering distillers.
They are even saying that a nationwide liquor ban is unlikely to cause a huge drop in sales.
Emperador Inc. president Winston Co says people might just begin drinking earlier.
They could also stock up on supply and just continue drinking at home.
“We don’t expect any immediate impact,” Co said. “there will be a change of lifestyle but in terms of consumption, I don’t think there will be an impact.”
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Besides, Destileria Limtuaco president Olivia Limpe-Aw says the liquor ban is not a prohibition on drinking per se.
It is a ban on drinking late in public places.
Duterte wants to prevent drunk driving, petty crimes and alcohol abuse.
Limpe-Aw says the industry is willing to get behind this reform since it’s for the public good.
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However, the industry is divided on the issue of sin taxes.
Emperador president Kingson Sian says sin taxes will really have to be reviewed in 2017 when the current rules expire.
But Limpe-Aw says 93% of alcohol consumers come from the mass market who can only afford so much.
She says Duterte will have to consult the industry or sin taxes could move up too high, too fast.
