A special sitting to hear and determine applications for the issuance of new and renewal liquor licences will be held on Thursday, December 1 at the Magistrate Court, Prospect Reef at 10:00 a.m.

Persons are notified that new applications should reach the Licencing Magistrate at least 14 days before Licencing Day. A copy of the application must also be served on the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, the BVI Fire and Rescue Services Department, Environmental Health Division, Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, and the Town and Country Planning Department.

Additionally, a notice of the application must be published in a local newspaper, a copy of which should be brought to the hearing in support of the application.

New applicants are required to be in possession of valid trade licences to conduct business in the manner they propose to be licenced.  Some new applicants may need development planning permission to operate at the location from which they propose to operate and the premises may need to be inspected by the BVI Fire and Rescue Services Department.  New applicants are asked to make inquiries with the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, the BVI Fire and Rescue Services, and the Town and Country Planning Departments on these issues.

Applications for renewal, along with a valid copy of the applicant’s current trade licence should reach the magistrate on or before Licencing Day.  A copy of the same shall also be served on the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

A third party who desires to execute a renewal application on behalf of another, is required to submit proof of his authority to act for the applicant along with the executed renewal application.

Persons wishing to object to the granting of a liquor licence to a new applicant or renewal of a licence, must attend the special sitting on Licencing Day to voice their objections.  Persons who wish to object to the renewal of a licence shall serve notice in writing of such an objection on the licence holder and on the Licencing Magistrate at least seven days before Licencing Day.  Forms for making objections are available for collection at the Magistrate’s Court.  A copy of the objection should also be served on the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue

All licencees who failed to apply for renewal at a previous sitting at which their licences expired, are to note that those licences have lapsed and as such, they are required to submit a new application as a new applicant.

Licencees with outstanding licence fees will not be considered for renewal until arrears have been paid in full. Such payments must be made to the Department of Inland Revenue before Licencing Day. Licencees who are unsure if their fees are up to date should contact the Inland Revenue Department.

Persons requiring additional information are asked to contact the Magistrate’s Court Office, John’s Hole at 468-4360.