Quezon City: The Quezon City government has shut down the MC Hotel (Maxmuller, Inc.) in Barangay Novaliches Proper for allegedly allowing minors to check in and serving them alcoholic drinks. In an interview on Friday, Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) head Margie Mejia stated that authorities rescued 20 minors inside the hotel during its raid on June 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mejia detailed that the rescued minors included 13 girls and seven boys, with ages ranging from 13 to 17 years old. The closure of the hotel was executed on June 19, in a coordinated operation with the city's Social Services Development Department (SSDD) and the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Luzon Field Unit. Mejia emphasized that allowing minors to enter the establishment and consume alcohol is a clear violation of city ordinances designed to protect children.

The adult companions of the minors claimed to be their legal guardians but failed to provide any documentation to support their claims, Mejia noted. She also mentioned that MC Hotel had been identified as a nuisance establishment, with social media monitoring revealing posts about questionable activities occurring there.

Quezon City's Ordinance NC-85, S-89, amended by City Ordinance SP-2995, S-2020, strictly prohibits minors aged 17 and below from entering hotels, motels, and similar establishments without a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, the ordinance forbids the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors. As a result of these violations, the MC Hotel's business permit was revoked, citing breaches of the city's liquor ordinance and regulations governing tourism-related establishments.

Evelyn Cho, the owner of MC Hotel, has denied the allegations but was informed about the option to appeal. However, Mejia clarified that there is currently no possibility of lifting the closure order.