Government’s Liquor Licences Act could result in more noise
Opposition Leader Julian Fraser has cautioned that the proposed Liquor Licenses Act, 2019 that elected leaders are now considering could lead to more noise in many communities already plagued by that nuisance.
If passed, the proposed bill would modernise the sale and consumption of liquor in the territory. It would create new categories including liquor licences for night clubs and persons hosting one-time special events.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on November 15, Fraser said he has a problem with the bill because it doesn’t include measures to stem noise that is likely to come from nightclubs and bars that may get liquor licences.
“You know a nightclub has other things other than the sale of liquor. It has music. So you’re taking ownership of the music at the nightclub by issuing the licence. My question is how can you divorce this licence to sell liquor from the noise the nightclub will make?” Fraser said. “That’s the issue I have because I’m going to get a call from someone saying they can’t sleep so I shouldn’t sleep either.”
Fraser said the proposed bill needs to specify which businesses can get liquor licences because there are some bars and nightclubs that are not properly enclosed and are located next to homes. He said many residents already complain about the unwanted noise which comes from them.
“You can have a nightclub anywhere you want, no one is stopping you. But I’m saying, you’re issuing a liquor licence and telling the people that this licence gives you the rights and privileges to have a nightclub. So, therefore, this liquor licence makes you responsible for the noise and we should be doing something about it,” Fraser pointed out.
He added: “In this liquor licence we’re issuing, it should stipulate the conditions under which a nightclub should be performing.”
Meanwhile, in explaining the need for the Liquor Licensing Act, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley had said that it wouldn’t deal with the issue of noise because that is already covered in the territory’s Noise Abatement Act.
But Fraser rebutted that argument, stating that the ongoing issue with noise in the community makes it necessary for noise abatement measures to be placed in the new Liquor Licences Act.
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Fraser just lost my vote with that antiquated thinking
What the f**k really wrong with this man? There is a Noise Abatement Act and the Police handles that. If there’s an issue that is noise related that is for the Police to handle, it has nothing to do with the liquor license. The real problem we have here is ZONING and that’s the problem that should be resolved.
If there’s a noise pollution act, it’s not enforced. And there’s no zoning so you could be living in a residential area and then someone decides to open a bar or nightclub and that’s it for your peace of mind. Other countries require bars and nightclubs to be soundproofed but we seem to believe not just that making noise is a cultural right, but that we also have a right to impose our noise on others.
The irony is these guys serving for over 20 years and would do anything, and EVERYTHING to get a vote including circumventing the rules. Now after the damage is done they want to come here playing hero. Many of the bars located in the heart of residential areas should not be operating but if the Police and Planning Authority were to intervene, the politicians will be the first in line with the small man got to eat argument. You cannot have it both ways, either you let it be a free for all or you abide by the laws. There’s no way that bars/clubs should be operating in the heart of residential areas with all the noise, loitering and everything else that goes on with it. The liquor license act should govern the issuance of licenses to sell liquor, that’s it!
WE GOT COCAINE ,GUNZ , MURDER SO BOOZE AIN’T NO BIG THING , ITS BEEN AROUND LONG BEFORE SO WE WILL BE HAVING RUMBOZ , CRACKHEADZ, GUNDERLEROEZ AND HOLY KILLERZ WHO WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH BULLETZ ,YEAH , WE STEPPING UP , WE WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND
Frazer you are right. The Noise Abatement Act is not enforced by the police and Barowners are non-compliant and selfish. Their only concern is making a dollar and could careless of the residents or the neighborhood. It is becoming a nuisance and disgrace in our community. The loud music, loitering, scooters and noise in general is disgusting. There is no natures litte secret or BVI love any more. Let us save the territory.
The churches making a lot of noise to, every week a church opening somewhere on Tortola