Instead of the asking for a relaxation of enforcement of the 2am cap on liquor sales, the private sector should be lobbying for the law to be changed, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman said yesterday.
“I think, if at all, consultations should take place on whether or not we should amend the law,” Trotman told a press conference yesterday, when asked if Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan’s rejection of the Private Sector Commission’s call was too harsh.
Trotman, however, emphasised that the 2am restriction is law and government would be treading on dangerous ground if it were to encourage consultations on flouting the law.
“I won’t second guess my brother and colleague… the law of Guyana is that these businesses, these entities should close at 2. I think the minute you start consultations about breaking the law you are in trouble,” he said.
“Perhaps what the minister may wish to do is have discussions on whether or not the law should be amended… because I won’t encourage him consulting to break the law,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) issued a statement calling on Ramjattan to allow an extension of the time permitted for liquor sales to 4am on weekends and holidays for nightclubs located in commercial districts and zones and those which comply with building codes that limit noise nuisance.
The PSC also urged the relaxation of enforcement to accommodate the expected increase in visitors for the Christmas season as well as because it received reports from its membership that the enforcement of the law is having a significant negative impact on businesses.
Ramjattan, however, rejected the call, while emphasising that he was only adhering to the law.
“They just don’t understand the [correlation] between heavy drinking, domestic violence, [and] traffic accidents… we drive badly when we drink,” he said.
Chairman of the PSC Norman McLean had told Stabroek News that the body was merely making a recommendation given the upcoming Christmas season. He added that other than “anecdotal” reports, evidence is yet to be produced as it relates to how the current restriction had resulted in a decrease in accidents and crime.
In its statement, the PSC had warned that many affected businesses are faced with the threat of closure and downsizing as a result of restriction. “It is also our concern that this could have a long term negative impact on our developing tourism Industry,” it added.
This was echoed by McLean, who said that there is a real long-term concern that the developing tourism industry could be stunted.