Age limit checks beefed up in Davao City

The Council of Davao City, the Philippines, is expected to add to an existing ordinance prohibiting minors from buying and selling alcoholic drinks and cigarettes a requirement that buyers present valid documents indicating their birthdates.

According to a story in the Sun Star (Davao), the council passed the proposed amendment at its first reading on Tuesday.

Based on the provisions of the draft ordinance, all business owners would be “mandated to determine the age of their would-be buyers by requiring them to present their identification documents that establish or indicate the person’s age before selling or serving to them liquors and cigarettes.”

Identification documents include a whole range of government-issued IDs, including drivers’ licenses and other documents, such as school and employee IDs.

In addition, the proposed ordinance would prohibit people from sending minors on errands to buy cigarettes and alcohol.