Every year on Good Friday, a law restricting the purchase of alcoholic beverages takes effect in accordance with certain religious beliefs.

The purpose is to uphold the sanctity of religious observance and promote a peaceful environment for citizens to reflect on the day’s significance.

Section 32 of the Licensing (Intoxicating Liquor) (Amendment) Act, No. 9 of 2014, of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda prohibits the sale of alcohol on Good Friday.

The restriction, previously from 6 p.m. to 6 p.m. the following day, was amended in 2019 to start from 12 p.m.

This means that owners and operators of bars, supermarkets, shops, and other licensed establishments must refrain from selling alcohol from midnight on Thursday, March 28, through the entire day of Good Friday.

However, as the Chief of Staff in the office of the Prime Minister, Lionel Hurst, stated during a post-Cabinet press briefing, there are exceptions to this rule.

“We recognize the hotels and restaurants will be operating because there will be people visiting us, and it would not be appropriate to deny them access to some sort of cocktail prior to or following their meals,” he said.

“But the little rum shops that exist in our villages, neighborhoods, and communities will continue to be closed until after midnight,” he added.

Owners and operators of the latter establishments are required to comply with the regulations, as failure to do so may result in the revocation of licenses and other legal actions.