As promoters prepare to host events during the Season of Emancipation and the Crop Over Festival, they are being reminded that they may apply for a Seasonal Liquor Licence, if they will be staging several events during a 90-day period.
This reminder has come from acting Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Bertram Johnson, who said with the introduction of the new liquor licence online process on April 1, 2022, seasonal licences for the sale of liquor at events occurring over a three-month period are now being offered.
Mr. Johnson stated: “Government’s mandate is to improve the ease of doing business in all areas and to ensure that commerce is conducted in a seamless and effective way.
“The new category of licence within the Act allows clients to apply for a seasonal licence, which can be used multiple times during a 90-day period, thus saving applicants time while planning events.” Any other obligations necessary to conduct restaurant and entertainment services would still be required.
Mr. Johnson continued: “The issuance of a liquor licence gives permission to sell alcohol ONLY, and therefore liquor licence holders engaging in food services and the playing of music are reminded that they must apply for those requisite permissions from the appropriate agencies.”
Persons may apply for a liquor licence online at liquorlicence.gov.bb, and pay through Government’s EZpay+ platform, using debit or credit card transactions.
In addition, those who applied online and received an email from the Department of Commerce stating that the licence was approved pending payment, may now pay at any Post Office across the island.
Liquor licence applicants may receive support from the Help Desk at the Liquor Licence Authority, Department of Commerce, First Floor, West Wing, Warrens Office Complex, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Those with queries may call the Liquor Licence Authority at 535-7011 or 535-7019, or email commerce.ca@barbados.gov.bb.
Persons applying online for liquor licences must have a valid email address since they will receive their certificates via that medium.