Police threaten bar owners with stricter penalties in attempt to curb alcohol-related incidents

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has sternly warned bar owners who continue to violate the Intoxicating Liquor Licencing (Amendment) Act 2022 to revoke their licences and hefty fines as it attempts to curb alcohol-related incidents.
The GPF reiterated the critical role of bar owners in maintaining order and safety. This initiative aims to curb alcohol-related incidents, especially traffic accidents, which often have fatal consequences.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licencing (Amendment) Act of 2022 outlines specific responsibilities for bar owners to ensure the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol. These measures are designed to prevent alcohol misuse and its associated risks.
Sergeant Richard Trotz of the Traffic Headquarters recently addressed the public on radio Eve Leary, highlighting the increase in traffic accidents and their devastating impact. He stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the new regulations and amendments.
According to Sergeant Trotz, the Act requires bar owners and staff to be trained in responsible service practices, which include recognising signs of intoxication and refusing service to visibly intoxicated individuals.
“Bar owners or persons who own liquor establishments have a responsibility to ensure that if a person is consuming alcohol at their establishment… has a designated driver,” Sergeant Trotz explained. He added, “If the person asks [for more alcohol] in a drunken state, he/she shall be told to desist from this behaviour and they should be cut off from having more alcohol.”
Sergeant Trotz emphasised the dangers of over-serving alcohol, which not only endangers the individual but also increases the risk of accidents and violent incidents. Police investigations have revealed that many individuals involved in accidents had been drinking at bars before getting behind the wheel.
Bar owners are also required to inform the nearest police station if they know a drunken person is attempting to drive or is in charge of a vehicle, requesting immediate assistance.
“You have to consume alcohol responsibly because you have to ensure that there is a designated driver. And if you drink, you drink below the limit of (35 micrograms),” Sergeant Trotz advised.
Speaking directly to bar owners, Sergeant Trotz underscored the importance of staff awareness and training. He reiterated that employees should not be under the age of 18 and must be knowledgeable about their responsibilities under the Act.
Verification of patrons’ legal drinking age, typically 18, is another critical responsibility for bar owners, achievable through valid identification checks. Additionally, signs and announcements discouraging drinking and driving must be prominently displayed on the premises.
“Let us be responsible citizens. Let us be our brother’s keeper, our sister’s keeper. Let us try to do the right thing,” urged Sergeant Trotz, calling for compliance with the Act to ensure safer communities.
The GPF said it remains dedicated to assisting bar owners in their compliance efforts, offering regular educational sessions at liquor establishments. Violations of the Intoxicating Liquor Licencing (Amendment) Act come with steep penalties, starting at $100,000 for a first offence and escalating to between $200,000 and $500,000 for subsequent infractions.