Extension kicks off New Year for booze laws

(CNS): The start of 2016 brings a one-hour extension to regular closing times of all liquor licence holders on New Year’s Eve as well as a new regime surrounding the liquor law in Cayman, as amendments made to the legislation in October come into force on 1 January. The new law features several amended and some entirely new components to improve the liquor licensing process, including the lifting of the moratorium on new liquor licences and putting an end to the practice of selling and leasing licences.

Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh said the five important changes to the law included new requirements for grants, the grace period for renewal applications, flexibility with opening hours, trade officer inspections and the meetings and constitution of the board.

See details of changes here

“Both business owners and staff will need to adjust their practices to comply with the changes to the law,” he said.

the  Chair Mitchell Welds confirmed the extension to regular closing times on New Year’s Eve earlier in December. He said it applied to all seven categories of liquor licences, with one hour added to the closing time under the terms of the holder’s licence. All other licence stipulations remain in effect.

“Liquor sales and the playing of music must cease during the last ten minutes of permitted opening hours for retail, hotel, restaurant, and beer/wine categories of licenses,” he added, reminding owners that all customers are expected to vacate the premises before closing.

Drivers are also being urged to be safe this year and those who are planning to drink are asked to use the free purple bus service or a designated driver.

NDC issues Purple Bus route for NYE revellers