The city council has approved on first reading the proposed ordinance that sought to separate darts from amusement activities in Baguio City.
The proposed ordinance aims to provide guidelines on the regulation of business establishments with darts hubs in the city.
Under the proposed ordinance, a darts hub shall be classified both as a sporting and a recreational amenity within a business establishment authorized by the city government to operate through the issuance of business permits and licenses and shall be separate from an “amusement center” as defined under Ordinance 15-2000.
An amusement center, as defined by Ordinance 15-2000, is an establishment which “allows for a fee to operate or play or play with computer machines, kiddie rides, redemption machines, bump cars, canoe rides, computer Internet machines, and the like for one’s amusement, entertainment, relaxation or fun.”
The ordinance mandates amusement centers to operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Proponent Levy Llyod Orcales said the existing ordinance limits the operation of these facilities that host the training and tournaments for darts which, in effect, shortens the preparation time of darts players for competitions.
Under the proposed ordinance, a darts hub within any business establishment shall be allowed to open from the opening hours of the business establishment until 11:59 p.m. to provide ample time for official tournaments organized by the establishment, which is recognized by the city government.
The ordinance sought to impose the following rules on darts hubs to be implemented by the owner and/or organizer:
No smoking; players shall be properly attired with dark pants, black shoes, and shirts with collars; no minors shall be allowed to use darts amenities except when accompanied by parents for the purposes of competing in a local, regional, or national darts tournament; the owner shall not allow intoxicated players and other customers to enter the establishment nor continue to serve liquor to intoxicated players and other customers; and players shall provide their own dart pins which must be placed in a darts case when transporting them for safety purposes.
Establishments found to have violated the ordinance shall be fined ranging from P500 to P1,500 and shall have their permits to operate cancelled.
The proposed ordinance shall also encourage universities in the city to consider darts as a Physical Education (PE) program in any of the PE subjects to contribute to the values formation of students.
With the inclusion of darts into the college curriculum, Orcales hopes to erase the negative perception of people to the sport, which has been associated with vices such as smoking and drinking.
The proposed measure shall also mandate all darts clubs, associations, and organizations in the city to register with the City Sports and Recreation Division.
The ordinance was referred to the committee on laws, human rights, and justice for review. – Jordan G. Habbiling
April 26, 2024
