This year New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday, and under Cayman law Saturday evening alcohol sales must stop as soon as the clock strikes midnight.
The Cayman authorities have insisted that no exceptions will be made.
To make matters worse, the Caribbean territory’s ban on loud music on Sundays will also remain in place.
Democratic right
Harry Lalli, owner of the Next Level nightclub on Grand Cayman, said the restrictions could drive away tourists.
“You’ve got a lot of people coming down to the island, staying in the hotels, coming to a nice place to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and now all of a sudden they’re not going to be able to,” he told the AP news agency.
Another nightclub owner, Don Seymour, said it could damage the Cayman Islands’ reputation.
“I think we probably are the only place in the world that is not celebrating New Year’s Eve – among democratic societies, that is,” he said.
Fine or jail
The long-standing laws are designed by the government of the conservative British overseas territory to encourage people to go to church on Sunday.
Bar owners that violate the bans could lose their alcohol licences, be fined $500 (οΎ£288) or even be sentenced to a month in jail.
Pastor Al Ebanks, the chairman of the Cayman Ministers’ Association, said the restrictions should not stop people from having a good time.
“Whether they choose to stay up all night or part of the night, they still have the freedom to do so,” he said.
The Cayman Islands are best known for their financial services industry.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/business/4428376.stm
