Those illegal liquor parlours

Dec 15, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
I read an article in your letter column in the December 8, 2017, where a Mr Mohamed Faizool made a complaint about illegal sales of alcohol and alcoholic beverages in the Essequibo Coast in contravention of the Customs and Excise Act. He said that his business was affected.
I cannot help but support this gentleman, as there is a serious problem in Charity, Essequibo. Every relevant authority responsible for the enforcement of the law on this issue is turning a blind eye to the problem. A surprise visit by GRA officers will see the lawlessness that takes place in Charity by several road side beer vendors, and even established business places and government rented buildings.
A check will reveal about fifteen illegal beer and rum vendors. This matter was raised with officers at the Anna Regina Guyana Revenue Authority Office. I was advised to report this matter to the Guyana Revenue Authority head office in Georgetown as they do not have enforcement officers on the Essequibo Coast to deal with such reports.
This lack of enforcement is having a negative business environment on legitimate licensed business places which have huge overhead expenses and have an obligation to pay their license and taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority.
What is disappointing is that the Charity Police Station is a stone’s throw away from all these illegal activities, yet the police seem not to be empowered to prosecute these offenders of the law. I am calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority to take immediate action to stop this lawlessness.
Name withheld

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