Online applications for liquor license now possible

─ the amendment to the Intoxicating Liquor License Act is to ensure use of electronic media is made lawful

DPI, Guyana, Friday, January 4, 2019

Citizens are now eligible to apply for their Liquor License via Electronic forms (e-forms) following the passage of the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill No.20/2018.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan yesterday said the amendment to the Intoxicating Liquor License Act is to simply ensure the use of electronic media is made lawful, in keeping with the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) drive to conduct more paperless transactions. Online applications were not previously considered valid prior.

This, he said, is essential for the administration and enforcement of the tax laws by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“With the increased use of technology, such use has to be recognized in law, which will also rid current paper-driven mechanism,” Minister Jordan said.

Under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill, those businesses which sell alcohol can be made liable for fines as much as $100,000 if they do so without a license. A condition existing since 2017 following its approval by members of the National Assembly. This represents a 100 per cent increase from the previous maximum penalty of $50,000.

Among the increases is the cost to renew a license for a hotel, restaurant, members’ club, tavern or spirit shop from $5,000 to $10,000. Additionally, those who wish to apply for the issue of or renewal of an off-licence permit shall pay $4,000 instead of $2,000.

By Neola Damon.

Image: Keno George.