THE Ministry of Public Security yesterday put into proper perspective its recent decision to have the Guyana Police Force enforce the 2:00 am closing time for nightclubs and other places of entertainment.According to a press release, Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday sought to clear the air on the enforcement of the 2:00 am closing of nightspots and other places of entertainment, stating that given the negative effects of alcohol consumption on crime and violence, among other things, it is in Government’s best interest to safeguard citizens.

The decision was met with disagreement by some sections of society but nevertheless the Ministry of Public Security explained that 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 minister had determined that it was 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.

The ministry stated that this move, however, has gained wide support by women’s groups and the Private Sector Commission, among other organisations. It should also be noted that such legal restrictions are not uncommon in other countries.

Meanwhile, some citizens are finding it difficult to adjust to this new enforcement in the shutting of bars, etc. at 2:00 am while others are in support of the move, first announced by Minister Ramjattan during the coalition’s campaigning prior to the May 11 elections.

The 2:00 am closing time is provided for in the Music and Dancing Licenses (Amendment) Act Chapter 23:03, Act No. 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 aforesaid 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 2:00 am, the release added.