DLCA: Selling Alcohol on Good Friday in USVI Between 9a.m. And 4p.m. Could Land Business Owners in Jail

  • Staff Consortium
  • April 08, 2020
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The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs on Tuesday warned business owners against selling liquor in the USVI between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Good Friday, which falls on April 10 this year.

The department quoted Virgin Islands Code to backup its warning: “Distilled liquor and drinks prepared therewith shall not be served in public places of refreshment between the hours of 9:00 o’clock in the morning and 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon on Good Friday. Whoever violates this subsection shall be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than a year or both,” reads VI Code Title 1, Chapter 11, Subsection 171(b).

 

“DLCA realizes that most establishments that prepare and serve alcohol to customers are closed due to the Governor’s COVID-19 State of Public Health Emergency” stated DCLA Commissioner Evangelista. “This is a reminder that the serving of alcohol during the specific hours stated by law, shall still be enforced.”

D.L.C.A. said distilled liquor includes spirits and can be defined as grain alcohol, with a high alcohol content. Examples of distilled spirits include brandy, whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka. This does not include beverages such as beer, wine, and cider, as they are fermented but not distilled. These all have relatively low alcohol content, typically less than 15 percent. Local cordials such as Pina Coladas, Coquito, and Guavaberry sales are not restricted on this day, the department said.

Mr. Evangelista urged the public to report any business found violating the law.

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