I am the owner of a liquor restaurant and I am licensed to sell alcoholic beverages to consume on the premises and to take away. I have owned and operated this business at the above address for more than 20 years, but recently I have been experiencing a sharp decline in sales, especially the Banks DIH products. I am very worried about this situation and have made several checks only to find out that the salesmen on Banks DIH delivery trucks are selling large amounts of liquor to persons in the area who are not licensed to sell liquor and according to the law, can be prosecuted for having more than a certain amount of liquor on their premises. There are several persons in my area who are operating these so-called ‘bottom house run shops’. This practice is creating an unfair competition for me.
I made a report to the manager of the liquor company of Airy Hall on the Essequibo Coast, but from that time to now, this situation have gotten worse. I also made several reports to the Suddie Police Station, but noting has changed. A report was also made to Banks DIH Head office, Thirst Park, The official there has promised me that my report would be investigated; if anything was done I will not be able to say, but these illegal rum shops continue to operate.
While I am not afraid of competition, it is unfair for me to compete with persons, who do not have to maintain a building and surroundings, pay a staff and meet all the requirements before a licence would be issued to me. I am not saying that this illegal practice is being encouraged by the company, but I am surprised that no action is taken and the bottom house run shops continue to flourish.
We all know that the chairman is very much concerned about the unfair competition that this company is faced with. He has made it known to all Guyanese at every opportunity presented to him and I think that we all agree with him.
Having said that, I am looking forward to both the police and the company to have this situation changed.