Lecture to Bars: Police on campaign to promote safer roadways  

The Guyana Police Force and the Regional Road Safety Council have collaborated for a ‘Lecture to Bars’ campaign, aimed at educating bar owners about the amendments to the Liquor Intoxicating Licensing Act and their consequent responsibilities.

The campaign was held on Friday last in Regional Police Division 4C, which stretches from Eccles, East Bank Demerara to Moblissa on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Police Headquarters in a statement said that Sergeants Caleb and Persaud along with Constable Corlette, and Chairman of the Road Safety Council Sirestsi Asquith Oji Bascom spearheaded the campaign.

During the campaign, Bascom stressed the importance of compliance and assured bar owners of follow-up visits.

“This concerted effort between the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department and the Road Safety Council reflects a shared vision: to foster safer roadways for all users, recognizing that road safety transcends mere slogans, it is ingrained as a fundamental way of life, deserving utmost attention and commitment,” Police stated.

In addition to regulatory matters, the campaign also focused on engaging citizens directly, highlighting the critical role of road safety in preserving lives and communities.

In November 2022, the government amended the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act to impose hefty fines on bar owners who serve alcohol to already intoxicated people.

Under the Act, licensed bar owners are mandated to impose obligations on drivers at their establishments and are required to play a more active role in the prevention of drinking and driving.

The Act was amended to increase the fines for breach of the obligations by the license holder to $100,000 for the first offence, and to $200,000 for a second offence.