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Sebastian’s to be prosecuted for flouting COVID protocols

File photo of Sebastian’s on the Beach in West End Tortola. (Photo Credit: Tripadvisor)

Local hotel and restaurant, Sebastian’s on the Beach is being charged for reportedly flouting the territory’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Police were forced to shut down an event at the establishment last weekend after discovering the gathering had well above the 175-person legal limit.

Sebastian’s is now being charged with “violations of the social distancing protocols”.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police (RVIPF) gave that indication while responding to questions from BVI News on Wednesday.

“The establishment has been informed that they will be prosecuted for the offence,” the RVIPF’s Information Unit told our news centre.

Police said in a statement over the weekend that owners and operators of Sebastian’s weren’t even sanctioned to host such an event in the first place.

According to the territory’s Public Health Order 2020 (COVID-19 Control & Suppression Measures), all gatherings shall be limited to one person per 64 square feet and shall not exceed 75 persons at any given time. And if organisers of an outdoor event anticipate that their gathering will exceed 75 persons, the order says he or she must make a written request to the Minister of Health seeking permission to hold the event.

 

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23 Comments

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  1. Hodgie says:

    Makesure they pay the fine.

    Like 15
    Dislike 17
  2. Yup says:

    According to “law” they need to be suppressed.

    Carry on

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
  3. double standards says:

    They are not the only venue that did/does this….What’s good for the geese is also good for the gander

    Like 64
    Dislike 1
  4. Unfair says:

    How is this fair? So many other establishments have been going over capacity and they have not been shut down, or prosecuted. Flyers goin out every week for some event and they go off without a hitch…i find this very strange and almost seems personal.

    Like 71
    Dislike 4
  5. Sarah Chaplin says:

    Them kind is the first to break the rule and the first in the vaccine line. Let me guess them want leniency now.

    Like 6
    Dislike 35
  6. .... says:

    bull crap funny the

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  7. Mark Hooper says:

    So many other places doing the same and no one troubles tham. Yes Sebastians’s was wrong but no need to fine them, the manager is doing the very best she can to keep all her staff on the payroll when many restaurants have staff on reduced or no pay.

    Like 43
    Dislike 3
    • Depressing says:

      They try so hard to stay afloat in these difficult times and that is the assistance they get. Sorry for the staff who will most probably end up suffering the consequences.

      Like 12
  8. SMFH says:

    What kind of media do we really have? Is the rule 175 people or 75 people? Jesus Christ man!!!!!!!!

    Like 12
    Dislike 1
  9. Selective Enforcement says:

    Where are the fines when Government politicians and their friends gather, no masks or worn on my he chin, small rooms, churches, no social distancing whatsoever? Those at Sebastian’s were in small social groups, at tables and few dancing. Those not at tables wearing masks. It’s targeting of specific venues and persons.

    Like 33
    Dislike 2
  10. huh says:

    they need to keep up to date with their bribe payments, that have to be the case.. as someone said earlier.. i seeing so many clubs and bars over crowded and i never see any of them charged

    Like 10
  11. heckler says:

    weren’t they launching bvi love?

  12. Rubber Duck says:

    Get up,earlier

  13. 007 says:

    Owner doesn’t have a cousin in the government

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  14. Watching says:

    Just watching this place get more prejudiced , ignorant , and corrupt by the minute . We will wind up with exactly what we deserve . Sad

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  15. This is so wrong says:

    This should apply to all establishments. For old years night over 2000 people was up
    Trellis bay market celebrateing and no one was prosecuted..

  16. Restaurant Manager says:

    They dont understand the Rest business, when you plan an event you have no idea how its going to turn out, I am sure they were surprise this much people turned up,, Sometimes you plan,no one showed up, u left with all the expenses, staff, the band etc,, So to say they needed to apply for permission for more than 75 people, clearly you all dont understand the business, so many times we plan and we lose for poor turn out… U plan, u hope, u pray and u thank God when it turns out well..

  17. Smh says:

    I hope ayo gonna go out Sandbox with this same energy….

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