The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) generates money for the Government of Anguilla from the Anguilla Summer Festival. This is primarily achieved through licences and permits. Everyone involved in Carnival should be aware of the procedures and responsibilities required to be in full compliance with IRD and other Departments with varying responsibilities for the Summer Festival.
Liquor sales are a major activity during the summer festivities. Liquor licences are compulsory during carnival and throughout the year. Persons and/or establishments (General Public, Restaurateurs and Bar Owners (and Vendors)) selling, or keeping for the purpose of selling, any liquor must obtain and display a liquor license. Consumers should also ensure that they only patronise establishments that have a liquor licence on display.
Sittings for the special magistrates court for new and renewal liquor licences are held on the 2nd day of the first month of each quarter or on the first workday immediately following. This means that persons intending to sell liquor during Carnival 2019 should have already applied for a licence. The next sitting for liquor licences applications will be held on October 2nd, 2019.
First Time Liquor License Applicants should be aware of the information and requirements below:
• Make an application to the court not less than 21 days before the hearing.
• Complete the application form in triplicate – one for the applicant, one for the Court and the other for the Commissioner of Police.
• Publish the application notice in the public newspaper two weeks prior to the court hearing, providing a copy of your application.
• Affix and maintain the application notice to the door of the intended premises for the Liquor license between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm for two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the court hearing.
• Attend court on the day appointed for the special hearing.
• If the licence is granted, a certificate is issued at the court detailing the particulars of the licence.
Persons can also apply for a temporary liquor licence. The fee is EC$25 per day. Persons who wish to have a temporary licence can collect a form at the Inland Revenue Department, fill it out and make payment to the cashier. The information required includes days and hours of operation and location of operation.
Those already in possession of a liquor licence, but wish to renew it, should submit their renewal application form to the court not less than 21 days before the special magistrate’s court. The applicant is not required to attend the court in person, unless requested by the magistrate to do so.
All applicants for a liquor licence must present the certificate granted by the magistrate to the Inland Revenue Department for payment and processing. On receipt of certificate and payment, a licence is issued according to the particular licence required. Liquor licences are annual and expire on the 5th day of January every year.
Food sales are also a revenue generator during the Summer Festival. The Department of Youth and Culture has primary responsibility for Vendors for Carnival. The Department recently issued a press release which contains all the relevant information about registration and payment for booths that vendors for August Week Boat Races and the Caribbean Beach Party should know. Vendors should contact Ms. Avon Carty at the Department of Youth and Culture at 264-498- 3792 or email avon.carty@gov.ai for further information.
The Environmental Health Unit has also recently issued a press release for the festive season. The release states that persons who are selling food or liquor during carnival must have at least a temporary food premises license. This is valid for 28 days and costs EC$60. Persons applying will be given a form to fill out which they must return to the Health Protection Department.
Secondly, every member of staff (including managers and helpers who will be assisting in the carrying out or handling of food) needs to have a valid Food Handlers Permit. This includes persons who are transporting food. A Food Handlers Permit is EC$100. Persons applying for a food handlers permit must take a stool test and undertake a physical (by a doctor) and take an educational food hygiene session.The Food Handlers Permit is valid for 2 years. All booths for the festive season must be ready for inspection by Monday 22nd July 2019 and no later than Friday 26th July 2019.
The General Public is encouraged to patronize businesses and vendors who display their permits and licenses.
Vendors and the public should also be aware of the surroundings and the condition that food is kept. Proper storage is important to keep food fresh and safe. Cleanliness is also important, and all persons are encouraged to have appropriate numbers of bins and bags at all events and to place garbage in bins, clean up litter around their booths and not to engage in fly tipping which is throwing trash outside of a moving car or boat. Vendors are also encouraged to pour drinks into cups rather than use bottles to reduce the number of bottles littered.
For further information contact the Environmental Health Unit at 264 – 497-2631 or visit the office in The Valley.
Persons visiting Anguilla during the festive season must get a temporary driver’s licence if planning to drive while on island. A temporary driver’s licence can be obtained from the Inland Revenue Department. Customers should present the cashier with a valid international drivers licence. They must be 18 years or older. If a customer is a bonafide visitor and 18 years or older, there are two options available – 72 hour licence for EC$40.00 or three (3) month licence for EC$67.00.
Alternatively, temporary driver’s licences can be obtained from any authorised car rental agency on the island. If a customer intends to reside or work on island, the customer should visit the Traffic Department at the Police Station to apply for a permanent Anguilla driver’s licence.
During the Anguilla Summer Festival, the Inland Revenue Department encourages everyone to have fun but also to adhere to the law. Ensure you have your business license, vendor license, liquor license, driver’slicense, food handlers permit and food premises license. For further information about any of the above, do contact the various Departments responsible directly. Have a fun-filled and safe carnival!
