The Licensing Magistrate is reminding all persons desirous of selling intoxicating liquor during the upcoming BVI Emancipation Festival to apply for and obtain a temporary liquor licence to do so.

The Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee must be contacted by persons who wish to express their interest, and applications must be sent to and received by the Commissioner of Police by Friday, July 17.   The application must be accompanied by a food handler’s certificate and a licence to trade at the specific venue for which licensing is being sought.

Successful licences once completed, can be collected at the Inland Revenue Department, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

All sidewalk vendors established outside the Festival Villages in Road Town, East End/Long Look, Carrot Bay and at the Ellis Thomas Downs will be considered for licensing for the sale of beer only.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will make periodic checks during the festival season to ensure that alcohol is being sold by persons licensed to do so.  As a result, all licensees must have their liquor licence available for inspection at all times.

Additionally, the Environmental Health Department will make periodic checks on licensees to ensure proper standards for food service are being kept.

The inspections will be done to ensure compliance with the Liquor Licences Ordinance. Ill-treatment and abuse of Government workers including health inspectors and police officers carrying out inspections will not be tolerated and may affect a licensees’ 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 is necessary.

Persons requiring additional information may contact the Magistrate’s Court at John’s Hole by telephone number 468-4360.