According to reports reaching our newsroom, police last night, August 15, 2021, reportedly responded to reports that a nightclub in Freebottom was in operation despite there being a prohibition order against such operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Portable bar’ was allegedly in operation

Our newsroom was informed that police visited the club where patrons were observed being served alcoholic beverages by female bartenders at a ‘portable bar’ outside of the nightclub and that no liquor license was displayed in a conspicuous position as required by law.

According to sources, the owner of the bar began to use indecent and insulting language to the police officers, but when told he was in breach of the law he reportedly left to produce his liquor license.

According to reports, the bar owner presented a restaurant and bar liquor license which was only valid for the period from December 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021.

Expired liquor license

Police; however, reportedly observed that the license was stamped with an issued date of June 25, 2021, which was after it had expired.

The bar owner was ordered to close the establishment within 15 minutes but he allegedly challenged the officers to arrest him as he didn’t intend to comply.

According to sources, half-hour later, at around 8:38 pm, liquor was still being sold and the businessman was arrested and charged for Failure to comply with orders given by Police, Failure to display liquor license in a conspicuous position and Permitting spirit to be sold without a liquor license.

The accused was granted bail in the sum of $3000 with 1 signed surety.

He is to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on September 23, 2021.