The Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago acknowledges some bar owners/operators are flaunting the current health guidelines and is working with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to alleviate this.
However, the B.O.A.T. says in most cases bar owners/operators are being wrongfully accused as these establishments are not classified as bars but are actually restaurants.
In a media release the B.O.A.T. says the general public and the media need to understand these establishments are classified based on the type of license they hold and the services they offer.
It says once you are a holder of a special restaurant license and serve food you are not classified as a bar you are classified as a restaurant and the current Health Ordinance allows restaurant to operate with in-house dining at fifty percent capacity with no consumption of alcohol.
It says these restaurants are now using a loophole in the system and serving alcohol in disposable cups, glasses and tea cups and the general public and media are placing the blame solely on bars wrongfully.
B.O.A.T. says congregation with alcohol consumption is allowed everywhere else in public spaces.
It says this leaves the TTPS with a difficult situation as there is little to nothing they can legally do to stop this practice.
It says this type of practice was also confirmed in a previous statement made by the Commissioner of Police.
The Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago says it stands firm by its position that everyone should have equal opportunity and the current Health Ordinance and restrictions are creating a bigger problem than the one we are trying to solve.
The association says it stands ready and willing to discuss this very important situation with all relevant stakeholders in an effort to ensure the health and safety of the public of Trinidad and Tobago.
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