Miner on bail for selling unlicensed liquor, noise nuisance

A miner of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was charged with multiple offences last week, relating to the sale of liquor without a licence and causing a public nuisance.
According to Police reports, the charges stem from an event held at Church Road, Buxton, ECD, by Kevon Hatton, popularly known as “Smokey”, which gained the attention of Police after a post was made on social media about the gathering that appeared on February 23.
It was reported that Hatton was arrested two days later and brought before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Courts.
He faced charges for selling spirituous liquor without a licence, contravening Section 44(2) of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act; for licensing of premises for public entertainment under Section 3(1) of the Music and Dance Act; for using unlicensed premises for public entertainment under Section Seven of the Music and Dance Licence Act; and for making loud and continuous noise under Section 174A(1) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act.
Hatton pleaded not guilty to all charges, and bail was set at $20,000 for the liquor licensing offence, while he was placed on self-bail for the other matters. The case has been adjourned to March 16.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act (Chapter 82:21) makes it an offence for any person to sell, offer for sale, or expose liquor for sale without proper authorisation. Licensed holders are also required to follow certain duties, such as preventing drunkenness on their premises and ensuring alcohol is not sold to intoxicated persons.
Additionally, the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act (Chapter 8:02), Section 174A, prohibits making loud and continuous noise that causes a nuisance to nearby residents or occupants. Any person who operates music or other sound at a volume that unreasonably disturbs others can be charged under this law, which aims to protect the public from disturbances and maintain order.