MoH attempts to clarify ‘safe zone’ businesses, alcohol consumption still ‘strictly prohibited’

“[…] Owners, Operators and Customers of the above businesses are reminded as follows: The consumption of any food or drink and/or in house dining on the premises of the businesses listed above is permitted only if the businesses meet the requirements of the Safe Zone policy as delineated in Regulation 6 of the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV)] (No. 19) Regulations, 2021.

“[….] The sale or consumption of alcohol on the premises or precincts of the businesses listed above remains strictly prohibited…”

The following is a media statement from Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh:

Photo: Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh.
(Copyright Office of the Parliament 2021)

Certain businesses will be allowed to operate as Safe Zones, on a temporary basis and provided that they satisfy the requirements of the Safe Zone Policy delineated in the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV)] (No 19) Regulations, 2021 (or any subsequent replacement Regulations).

Pursuant to Regulation 3(10)(ao) of the Emergency Powers (No 2) Regulations, 2021, with effect from Monday 11th October, the Minister of Health hereby authorises the following businesses ONLY to operate as Safe Zones and provide services to the public, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, Monday through Sunday, PROVIDED THAT they meet the requirements of the Safe Zone policy—as delineated in Regulation 6 of the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV)] (No 19) Regulations, 2021 (or any subsequent replacement Regulations):

  • (a) restaurants;
  • (b) bars;
  • (c) a common gaming house, betting pool or office licensed under the Gambling and Betting Act;
  • (d) a cinema or theatre licensed under the Cinematograph Act;
  • (e) a private members’ club licensed under the Registration of Clubs Act;
  • (f)   a theatre under the Theatres and Dancehalls Act;
  • (g) gyms and fitness studios; and
  • (h) waterparks.
Photo: Children enjoy the facilities at the Five Islands Water Park in Carenage.
(via Five Islands Water Park)

Owners, Operators and Customers of the above businesses are reminded as follows:

  1. The consumption of any food or drink and/or in house dining on the premises of the businesses listed above is permitted only if the businesses meet the requirements of the Safe Zone policy as delineated in Regulation 6 of the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV)] (No. 19) Regulations, 2021.
  2. The consumption of any food or drink outside the premises of the businesses listed above or on the roadside of said businesses remains strictly prohibited.
  3. The sale or consumption of alcohol on the premises or precincts of the businesses listed above remains strictly prohibited.

Further, owners and operators of the above businesses that choose to operate as a Safe Zone and provide in-house dining services, are hereby advised that they may also provide curbside pick-up and drive-through services in addition to the in-house dining services BUT in-house pick-up services are prohibited.

Photo: A couple have a drink at a restaurant.
Alcohol consumption is still prohibited on commercial premises and in public places.

Owners, Operators and Customers of the above businesses are advised to comply strictly with the (other) legal requirements of the Emergency Powers (No. 2) Regulations, 2021, the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)] (No. 19) Regulations, 2021 (or any subsequent replacement Regulations) and the public health guidelines.

Authorisations granted by the Minister of Health pursuant to Statements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 remain valid (unless otherwise varied by this Statement).

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor this development and take steps to safeguard the health of the population.

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