The Bars In Barretto

Comment from a reader on "Casino Bars For Barretto":

As a long time resident, you should know that all the slezy bar owners in Angeles City are being run out by the new Korean mafia and they are buying up the bars in Barretto.

Yes, in fact, Barretto is IN FACT becoming the new Fields Avenue and it makes me sick. THey should all be shut down for the good of the community.

[The Subic Bulletin] There have been bars in Barretto since the mid 1980's, and at one time there were over 40 bars and watering holes. Nothing has really changed in the last 30 years or so, except for the outward presence of these bars. They are now more visible to the casual observer.

The bars collectively employ 600+ people; some local residents, and some who moved to the area to work.

In no small way, the bars contribute to the local economy, through direct purchasing of goods and services, payment of fees and taxes, etc.

Indirectly, the bars, their staff and their patrons are the primary reason for the emergence and existence of most of the eateries, convenience outlets, and the abundance of clean tricycles available.

Indirect employment because of the presence of the bars is probably on a 1:1 scale, so there are as many as 600 people who there livelihood to the existence of the bars, as well as those employed directly by the bars.

I'm sure local government services would be lessened if not for the presence of the bars, and the tourists they bring.

Or maybe I'm taking too broad a view of the benefits the bars have provided to the local community!

And as for the comments about bars and ownership in Angeles, only one (1) bar owner/operator has relocated.