From RCIPS July 7 2020

Over this past weekend, 3-6 July, the RCIPS has encountered several instances of patrons and staff at liquor licensed establishments breaching the Prevention, Control and Suppression of COVID-19 Regulations that are currently in place.

On Saturday night, 4 July, officers attended a bar on Seymour Drive in George Town and found over 200 persons gathered on the premises. Patrons were socializing at liberty, most not wearing masks, and not maintaining social distancing. Officers also observed staff members at the location not wearing masks. Officers then entered the building, and observed several persons who appeared to be seated inside the bar paying for drinks, a further violation of the regulations.

When officers attempted to speak to the owner of the establishment, several persons in the crowd became aggressive towards the officers and refused to comply with instructions given. Additional officers attended the location and the owner was warned for intended prosecution for the breaches.

Shortly afterward, officers attended an outdoor restaurant and bar on West Bay Road and observed several hundred persons at the location again mingling freely, and committing similar offences. The manager of the establishment was spoken to, informed of the breaches, and warned for intended prosecution.

Shortly after 12:00AM on Monday morning, 6 July, officers attended a bar on Shamrock Road, where they observed over 200 persons gathered on the property, mingling freely without masks and not maintaining social distancing. While the establishment had limited the number of persons inside the bar itself, officers also observed staff-members inside not wearing masks. The manager of the bar was spoken to and warned for intended prosecution for the breaches.

“We are gravely concerned at the level of disregard being shown by the staff and patrons at certain establishments. While most bars and restaurants have been complying with the regulations, the few that do not can potentially put the entire community at risk,” said Superintendent Pete Lansdown. “Our officers will continue actively enforcing these breaches through prosecution, and are also submitting the details of any breaches we find to the Liquor Licensing Board, who will take the appropriate actions in response. Persons are liable to a fine of $250 for each offense.”

“While we understand that Cayman is in a relatively safe position worldwide, and that persons are anxious to socialize after the extended period of curfew and restrictions, we implore upon everyone in the community to minimize risks, continue to observe the regulations that remain in place, and stay safe,” added Acting Superintendent Brad Ebanks.

Over the course of the long weekend, officers responded to several other incidents. A total of 25 persons were arrested for various offenses, including 6 for DUI, 4 for other traffic offenses, 1 for illegal gaming and 2 for assault.