Baguio City pushes to raise legal drinking age to 21

BAGUIO CITY — The city council has moved closer to implementing a higher drinking age threshold, approving on second reading a proposed ordinance that would raise the minimum legal drinking age to 21 from the current age of 18.

Proponents of the measure argue that the increase is necessary to address alcohol-related health and social problems affecting young people in the mountain resort city. The ordinance aims to restrict access to alcoholic beverages for teenagers and early-20s adults, a demographic research suggests is vulnerable to alcohol abuse and its associated harms.

However, the proposed change has sparked concerns from the city's hospitality sector. Bar and restaurant operators have raised objections, warning that the stricter age requirement could significantly impact their businesses and the broader nightlife industry that attracts both local and tourist patrons to Baguio City.

The ordinance still requires approval on third and final reading before it can be enacted into law. The city council's decision reflects broader efforts in the Philippines to address youth alcohol consumption through legislative measures, though implementation challenges remain in balancing public health objectives with business interests.