FOR the first time in months, the consumption of alcohol will be permitted in public spaces from today.
However, it will only be allowed in designated business areas that are TT Safe Zone certified.
On Monday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh in a statement said, “The Minister of Health hereby authorises the cconsumption of alcohol only on the premises of businesses operating as Safe Zones pursuant to Regulation 6 of the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV)] (No. 21) Regulations, 2021 (or any subsequent replacement Regulations).”
Places authorised to operate in safe zones include:
- Restaurants;
- Bars;
- A common gaming house, betting pool or office licensed under the Gambling and Betting Act;
- A cinema or theatre licensed under the Cinematograph Act;
- A private members’ club licensed under the Registration of Clubs Act;
- A theatre under the Theatres and Dancehalls Act;
- Gyms and fitness studios; and
- Waterparks
The minister stated, “The consumption of any food or drink or alcohol and/or in house dining is permitted only on the premises of businesses operating as Safe Zones, the consumption of any food or drink or alcohol outside the premises of businesses operating as Safe Zones or on the roadside of businesses operating as Safe Zones, remains strictly prohibited.”
All persons are being 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. 21) Regulations, 2021 (or any subsequent replacement Regulations) and the public health guidelines.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor this development and take steps to safeguard the health of the population, Deyalsingh stated.
