Owner of closed bikini bar applies for new Cebu City business permit

THE owner of a bikini bar, which was shut down last year after three of its workers were found guilty of human trafficking, has applied for another business permit.

This time, the business establishment’s name is not Red Lips Bikini Bar but Mango Bar and Restaurant.

Acting Vice Mayor Lea Japson, who is also the vice chairman of Cebu City Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (CCIACAT), said that they will meet on June 17 to decide if they will approve or give clearance to the business.

Japson said the business is under the name of Ronald Manolong.

“We have an ordinance banning establishments closed by the city government to reopen in a year since they were shut down,” said Japson in Cebuano.

Th Red Lips Bikini Bar was closed in Nov. 18, 2015 after the court found three female employees guilty of human trafficking.

Japson said she was told that the nature of the business is not the same with the Red Lips Bikini Bar; however, their permit was not yet released because it has to pass the CCIACAT, and they have to undergo seminar on the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 or R.A. 9208 and the Cebu City Anti-Trafficking in Persons Ordinance.

Under the ordinance, the Office of the Mayor is authorized to cancel the licenses of the establishment or its owner, or any of its staff if it violates the provisions of R.A. 9208.

In their business permit, that was issued on May 2, 2016, the nature of their business is restaurant, KTV/Music Lounge/Videoke.

De La Cerna Associates Law Office submitted a letter request to the Office of the Mayor on behalf of their client, requesting to open the new business at Manrose Plaza Bldg., Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City.

“We assure that our client is only going to commence operations the moment he secures your approval and once he complies with the necessary documents and permits in order to carry out a legitimate business operation,” the letter reads.