Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News

Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has launched a major crackdown on bars bent on opening after the prescribed time, and motorists breaking the traffic laws.

Police yesterday afternoon stated that through its Crime and Traffic Divisions conducted a number of traffic stops and spot checks of premises and both owners of liquor licence premises and vehicles owners were reported for violations.

Police stated that of the premises with liquor licences, one bar in Purcell Estate and three in Baughers Bay were forced to close and were reported to the Magistrate for being opened beyond the prescribed time.

Acting Chief Inspector Marlon Charles noted that the law prescribes that premises with a bar licence can be opened no later than midnight on weekdays and Saturdays and no later than 9pm on Sundays.

"Holders of club licences can be opened beyond 12 midnight but must contain all entertainment and music within the premises. Any disturbances around the premises can result in immediate closure," police stated.

Charles also reminded bar owners that a bar is only considered closed when the front door is locked.

"The practice of allowing customers to `hang out´ at the bar when it is supposed to be closed will not be condoned. If the door is open and there are patrons inside, the bar is considered open and will be cited for violating the law. After the third conviction, the Magistrate´s Court can revoke an owner´s licence to operate," he said.

Meanwhile, police stated that officers of the Traffic Department and the Beat and Patrol Division noted a number of breaches during their traffic checks.

There were 20 tickets issued for offences ranging from lack of
seatbeats, use of cellular phones to heavily tinted windows, covering licence plates and failing to comply with a no-entry sign.

Head of the Traffic Department Acting Inspector Dariel Robinson said throughout the month of February there will be zero tolerance for traffic violators.

"We unfortunately have a number of unlicenced and uninsured vehicles traveling on our roadways. Stickers as far back as April 2012 are being displayed. Topping the list of violations is heavily-tinted windows. Traffic officers have measuring devices to determine the tint level on a vehicle and will report persons with heavily tinted windows and windscreens. During the month of February, there will be no warnings. Violators will be reported," he said.

According to police, by law, tints on vehicles should be not less than 35% on front windows and no less than 20% on rear windows and the back windscreen. The front windscreen should have no tint.