Region 2 Police engage bar owners on upholding alcohol sales’ laws

…reiterate penalties under Liquor Licensing Act of 2022

Senior police officers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have engaged bar owners on their responsibilities in regard to the sale of alcohol to patrons.
In a meeting held in the Conference Room of the Guyana Police Force Headquarters at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Divisional Commander Superintendent K. Shivbaran, along with Deputy Superintendent C. Duncan and other officers, discussed with these bar owners aspects of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2022, including the consequences of selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.

Other issues discussed included permitting any drunkenness, or violent, quarrelsome, or riotous conduct to take place on their premises; selling, giving, or bartering alcohol to a drunken person; allowing another person to sell, give, or barter intoxicating liquor to a drunken person; selling liquor to a designated driver; and selling, giving, or bartering alcohol to a person who is likely to leave the premises by driving a motor vehicle.
In addition, bar owners have been urged to inform the nearest police station of any attempt by a drunken person to drive or be in charge of a vehicle; and further, bar owners have been informed that they must post signs on their premises that discourage drinking and driving. Moreover, they must ensure that announcements are made on the premises at regular intervals, reminding listeners that persons should not drink and drive.
Bar owners have also been given a list of slogans to be used on their premises.
Earlier this year, the GPF had issued stern warnings to bar owners who continue to violate the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act 2022: that they risk having their licences revoked and hefty fines imposed on them in Government’s attempts to curb alcohol-related incidents.
The GPF has thus 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 Licensing (Amendment) Act of 2022 outlines specific responsibilities for bar owners in relation to the sale and consumption of alcohol. These measures are designed to prevent alcohol misuse and its associated risks.
In addition, the police have 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, and it is achievable through valid identification checks.
Bar owners have been reminded that violations of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (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.