May 20, 2010
Dear Editor,
Little did Belizeans realize some 25 to 30 years ago that by the stroke of a pen, the creation of the shop liquor license would contribute to the degradation of law and order in the cities and towns of what is supposed to be our beautiful Jewel!
The shop liquor license was created for gas stations, supermarkets, and packaged liquor outlets like in other countries to facilitate the adult public who wish to pick up these drinks on their way home from work, or on the way to a party, etc. This license is strictly to purchase and carry, and definitely not to consume on or near the licensed premise!
It did not take long for a section of our community to see where they could easily obtain these licenses, at a fraction of a regular club license, and operate unlawfully, selling liquor to be consumed through holes in the walls, selling to minors, drug addicts and alcoholics, where it would be consumed in public places and street sides, in front of people’s homes, schools and public buildings.
In most countries, if you are not a son of the soil, don’t even contemplate applying for a liquor license! In Belize, the only requirement is a small space, where these shop liquor license holders also call home!
Gone are the days when Belizeans socialized at their favourite neighborhood watering holes, be it for having good drinks, favourite music and a good clean environment.
These hole-in-the-wall shops have very little overhead costs, hence they sell cheaper!
I appeal to our liquor boards to put a moratorium on shop liquor licenses. In Belize City alone, where there are well over 500 of these licenses, I suggest repealing 50% of the licenses and increasing the cost of the license of the other 50% at least by a 100%; in this way, the City Council will not lose revenue. If these ex-license holders want to sell groceries, etc., they can obtain a trade license.
In this way, legitimate Belizeans who want to open decent establishments can obtain a license without being opposed because of too many of these unlawful establishments.
If we want to assist in turning around this social collapse in our country, we must fight the problems from all angles.
This is one way to start!
Respectfully,
A. C. Ramirez