The Ministry of Public Security today urged full public support for its initiative to enforce the closing of night clubs and other places of entertainment at 2 am saying it was being done in the interest of citizens’ security.
A statement from the ministry follows:
Announcement of the enforcement of the 2:00am closing of night spots and other places of entertainment made by the Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan MP, Vice President and Minister of Public Security
The Ministry of Public Security avails this opportunity to put into proper perspective the recent decision of the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Public Security to cause the Guyana Police Force to enforce the 2:00am closing time for night clubs and other places of entertainment.
After taking into account the negative effects of alcohol consumption on crime and violence, including domestic violence; traffic accidents; the productive capacities of our population, especially the young; along with other attendant circumstances, including the adverse effects of the proliferation of noise nuisance, the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Public Security has determined that it is in the best interest of the country to enforce the existing laws which have mandated that these entertainment facilities must close at 2:00 am.
This move by the Ministry has gained wide support by women’s groups and the Private Sector Commission, among other organizations. It should also be noted that such legal restrictions are not uncommon in other countries.
The 2:00am closing time is provided for in the Music and Dancing Licenses (Amendment) Act Chapter 23:03, Act #12 of 1982, which states at section 9 that:
“A place, so kept or used, although so licensed as aforesaid, shall not be opened for any of the purposes afore said except on the days and between the hours stated on the licence:
Provided that the holder of a first class hotel licence may keep open the licensed premises for the purpose of dancing, singing, music or other public entertainment once in every week until the hour of two of the clock in the morning except on any Sunday.”
“Place” as used in Section 9 means “house, room, garden, or other place” and will cover bars, clubs and restaurants – also inclusive of open spaces used for dances and entertainment purposes.
This law is being enforced in the interest of citizens’ security and safety with the aim of suppressing criminal and other offences which typically occur after 2:00am.
The Ministry urges full public support in this process.
