St Catherine business operators fined for breaching closing hours restrictions under state of public emergency

Four persons were each fined $10,000 or 30 days in prison by the St Catherine Parish Court for breaching the restrictions on closing hours under the state of public emergency in the St Catherine North Police Division.

Another four pleaded not guilty and were ordered to appear before the Portmore night court on September 12, 2018.

All eight were brought before the parish court yesterday on allegations of operating their businesses after the specified closing hours.

Two of the eight are informal commercial vendors who the police allege were selling fruits after the scheduled cut off time.

Another four are bar owners whom the police say operated beyond the 9 o’clock closing time.

Parish Judge Norma Brooks informed the accused that the police have extraordinary powers under the state of public emergency and that persons must operate within the law.

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