Vendors warned: Respect law enforcers at festival

The Deputy Governor’s Office headed by Rosalie Adams has warned that action will be taken against vendors who abuse Government workers who will be checking to ensure strict compliance to regulations during the upcoming Emancipation Festival.

“Ill-treatment and abuse of Government workers – including health inspectors and police officers carrying out inspections, will not be tolerated; and may affect a licensee’s ability to obtain future licences…”

“Licence holders are asked to take careful note of the terms under which they are licensed to sell intoxicating liquor, as strict compliance will be enforced,” added the Deputy Governor’s Office.

It further stated that the Licensing Magistrate wishes to remind persons desirous of selling intoxicating liquor during the Emancipation Festival that they must first obtain a temporary liquor licence.

“The RVIPF will make periodic checks during the festival season to ensure that all vendors engaged in the sale of alcohol are duly licenced to do so. As a result, all licensees must have their liquor licence available for inspection at all times.”

“Additionally, the Environmental Health Division will make periodic checks on licensees to ensure the proper standards for food service are being kept,” said the Deputy Governor’s Office.

It also explained how persons can obtain temporary liquor licences. “Persons must complete Liquor Licence application (Form B) in triplicate, and submit one to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and the other two copies to the Commissioner of Police by August 1.”

“The application, (Form B) must be accompanied by a food handler’s certificate and a licence to trade at the specific venue for which the liquor licence is being sought. The successful applicant will be issued a certificate of approval at the Magistrate’s Court. This certificate must be presented to the Inland Revenue Department with the appropriate fee, and the licence will be issued. Licences can be collected at the Inland Revenue Department, Monday through Friday, between 9am and 3:30 pm,” the Office of the Deputy Governor said.

Meanwhile, it again notified the public that permanent liquor licence holders who missed the June 1 sitting to renew their liquor licences at the Magistrate’s Court must now apply to the Office of the Deputy Governor to obtain a temporary liquor licence.