A special sitting to hear and determine applications for the issuance of new and renewal liquor licences will be held on December 1.

The sitting will be held at the Labour Department, 2^nd floor, Ashley Ritter Building at 10:00 a.m.

Persons are notified that new applications should reach the Licencing Magistrate at least 14 days before Licencing Day. A copy of the application must also be served on the Commissioner of Police; the Commissioner of Inland Revenue; the BVI Fire and Rescue Services; Environmental Health Division; the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs; and the Town and Country Planning Department.

Additionally, a notice of the application must be published in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks and copies should be brought to the hearing in support of the application.

New applicants are required to be in possession of valid trade licences to conduct business in the manner they propose to be licenced.  New applicants may need development planning permission to operate at the location from which they propose to operate and the premises may need to be inspected by the BVI Fire and Rescue Services.  New applicants are also asked to make inquiries with the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs; the BVI Fire and Rescue Services; and the Town and Country Planning Departments on these issues.

Applications for renewal, along with a valid copy of the applicant’s current trade licence should reach the Magistrate’s office, on or before Licencing Day.  A copy of the same shall also be served on the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

Additionally, some premises that would ordinarily be subject to applications for renewal were damaged or destroyed following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and are therefore not habitable. Premises fitting either of these categories, may not be eligible for a renewal, and owners are urged to seek advice on this matter.

 A third party who desires to execute a renewal application on behalf of another, is required to submit proof of his authority to act for the applicant along with the executed renewal application.

Persons wishing to object to the granting of a liquor licence to a new applicant or renewal of a licence, must attend the special sitting on Licencing Day to voice their objections.  

Persons who wish to object to the renewal of a licence shall serve notice in writing of such an objection on the licence holder and on the Licencing Magistrate at least seven days before Licencing Day.  Forms for making objections are available for collection at the Magistrate’s Court.  A copy of the objection should also be served on the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

All licencees who failed to apply for renewal at a previous sitting at which their licences expired, are to note that those licences have lapsed and as such, they are required to submit a new application as a new applicant.

Licencees with outstanding licence fees will not be considered for renewal until arrears have been paid in full. Such payments must be made to the Department of Inland Revenue before Licencing Day. Licencees who are unsure if their fees are up to date should contact the Inland Revenue Department.

Persons requiring additional information are asked to contact the Magistrate’s Court Office, located at the Conservation and Fisheries Department at 468-2761.