Strachan: New liquor establishment rules will rein in proliferation of bars

The new legislated rules regarding liquor seller operations will rein in the proliferation of liquor stores, which were “popping up all over the place”, acting controller of the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) Shunda Strachan said yesterday during an information session on the new rules for the media. Admittedly, she said, these changes will disrupt businesses and could call for establishments to be renovated to come into compliance with the new rules for liquor registration. Amendments to the Business License Act will change the way liquor businesses register with the Department of Inland Revenue, and will mean the end of drive-through bars, takeaway restaurants serving liquor, and establishments that sell liquor through “cages”. In June, Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell lamented the “oversaturation” of liquor stores in urban communities on New Providence, and spoke of plans to amend the Business License Act to reintroduce public consultations for new liquor licenses and the renewal of existing ones. Bell said that on East Street, for example, from Shirley Street to Robinson Road, a distance of less than two miles, there are 13 liquor establishments. He added that continuing south on East Street, between Robinson Road and Bamboo Boulevard – a two-mile stretch – there are another 19 liquor establishments. The draft guidance on liquor establishments explains the pre-certification process for all liquor establishments that will precede the granting of an annual business license. “In order to obtain or renew an annual business license, applicants must complete a registration process by submitting the prescribed application form, together with the supporting documents, and then obtain a certificate of registration,” the draft guidance explains. “Upon receipt of an application for a certificate of registration and payment of the applicable fee, the DIR shall make a thorough investigation to determine whether the applicant and the premises out of which the liquor business will operate, qualify for a license. “The registration process aims to protect public safety, uphold moral standards, and prevent unregulated and unsuitable methods of distribution. “An application for a certificate of registration will be denied if either the applicant or the premises for which a license has been applied, do not qualify for a license.” Establishments now how have to consider during their registration process if their owner’s criminal history checks out; if the premises are suitable for the sale of liquor; if there are adequate restroom facilities based on occupancy; if the building is in compliance with fire, safety, health and building regulations; and if the establishment has unobstructed sight lines for all areas where alcohol is served. DIR will ensure that no liquor establishment will be certified that is less than 700 feet away from places of worship, schools, residences and other liquor establishments. The guidance explains, though, that those requirements do not apply to full-service restaurants. Strachan said while DIR will enforce its own policies, it will depend on the Royal Bahamas Police Force as well. “We have a compliance unit. We have an investigations unit that will be also kind of pushed into to this new task,” said Strachan. “They will be going around and inspecting establishments. But also we have the Royal Bahamas Police Force that is actively working with us on this. “So, this is not just the Department of Inland Revenue’s initiative to manage. We have our partners out there, who we expect will also be assisting us. And then our best assistance will, of course, come from the general public.” While these changes will come into force when licenses are renewed at the end of the year, Strachan said establishments have until the end of March to become fully compliant.