Dear Editor,
Currently in Bartica an ongoing campaign against persons whose premises are not licensed to vend cigarettes, non-alcoholic beverages, malt, wine, and liquor continues to have good effect. Business premises in First Avenue were ordered to be closed on Monday 14th April, 2008 by the relevant authorities for not being in possession of those licences.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act makes provision for the granting of licences for the sale of intoxicating liquor and for the regulation of such sale and the control of licensed premises. Section 47 describes the powers of the Comptroller of Customs and the police with respect to unlicensed premises, the arrest of persons found selling spirituous liquor without a licence, power of search, and penalties on the occupier of premises if wine or malt liquor is found thereon or rum or other spirituous liquor.
A point to note is the need for revision of these fines or monetary penalties as a deterrent for the prevalence of these acts, they are far too low.
Yours faithfully,
Edward A Persaud
