AFTER taking into account the effects of alcohol consumption on crime and violence, including domestic violence and traffic accidents, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said that in the best interest of all Guyanese, the Guyana Police Force will be stringently enforcing the existing laws which have mandated that entertainment facilities must close at 2:00 am.

In a media release on Thursday, Ramjattan said that the move by his ministry has gained wide support from women’s groups, religious groups and a number of other organisations. It should also be noted that such legal restrictions are not uncommon in other countries.

The 2:00 am closing time is provided for in the Music and Dancing Licences (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 o’clock in the morning, except on any Sunday.”

The ministry noted that “Place” as used in Section nine 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.

The ministry stated that this law is being enforced in the interest of citizens’ security and safety with the aim of suppressing criminal and other offences. The ministry urges full public support in this process.