B.P.D. Concerned that Liquor Licensed Establishment May Not be Meeting Requirements

Chester Williams

Commissioner Williams says that his concerns about the nightclub extend beyond not having the liquor license displayed.  He says that this business was granted a license, but there are requirements that it has not met in terms of the facility.  He also pointed out that that the Liquor Licensing Board is granting extensions to businesses that do not meet the extension requirements.  Williams told the media today that he would like to see these practices stopped and that his department will be moving forward to hold the proprietors responsible if they are not in compliance.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The law is that, in order to operate these types of businesses, there ought to be reports from the public health, police and the fire. One of the key things that the fire department looked at is the entry and exit. A place such as a nightclub, by law, should have an entry separate from an exit. The nightclub in question has one way in and one way out. So, I cannot understand how they could have passed the fire inspection. If there were to be an occurrence in that nightclub, it would be a travesty, mayhem; many people will perish because there is only one entry/exit. So, it is something that we will continue to look at and go at those establishments we believe are giving our country a black eye where human trafficking is concerned.  The objective will be to either have them operate in accordance with the law or they close down. I continue to harp to the liquor licensing board, and I don’t want to sound like we are having a fight with them, but as the custodians of the law we must ensure that the law is applied fairly to all. I have had the discussion with the liquor licensing board where the issuance of an extension is concerned, the law is clear; three conditions must be met. There must be adequate security; liquor must be placed or sold in plastic containers and three, the place must be sound proof. As a matter of fact, when the liquor licensing board issues an extension, it says right there as a condition that if any of these conditions are not met, then the license is void. For Christ sake, the licensing board knows that the places do not meet the requirements, so why give someone a license that they know is null and void?”