The Judiciary has extended all existing licenses for 66 days this after it took the decision to adjourn all regular sessions of all licensing committees, that have been scheduled to be conducted at all licensing districts/Magistrates’ Court locations for the purpose of issuing or renewing licenses for two months, effective March 13, 2020.

“Licenses in this notice include Spirit Retailer’s, Wine Retailer’s, Hotel Spirit, Special Hotel, Restaurant, Night Bar, Spirit Grocer’s, Spirit Dealer’s, Wine Merchant’s, Moneylender’s, Pawnbroker’s and Members Club licenses.

The Judiciary, in a news release issued on Friday, said that it has been working with local stakeholders and other Judiciaries internationally to respond to the threat posed by the outbreak of Covid-19 locally.

“In this regard, its Strategic Goals are to reduce the number of persons coming to the nation’s courthouses and administrative offices  and to make the Courthouses and administrative offices as safe as possible for those who must physically attend those buildings
  “These include strategies which provide remote access to court services and attendance,” it was noted in a news release.

  “All persons entering court buildings will be screened and protocols are in place to address persons presenting with any symptoms.

  “While we recognize persons need to have family and other support in matters before the court, we kindly ask that individuals who have matters before the court limit the number of persons accompanying them. We also ask that non-essential visits to courts be curtailed.

“Please note that this does not mean that if someone has a court matter or is a witness or wishes to make an application under the Domestic Violence Act, or any other key applications, that they should not do so.

“Until we announce other basic remote strategies, these individuals should continue to come to court. Persons are encouraged to also utilize all electronic services such as CourtPay that the Judiciary makes available,” the Judiciary said, via a news release.

“Appropriate signage has been installed and video is being put in court buildings to provide information and to facilitate proper hygiene practices and provide guidelines with regard to interaction among staff and stakeholders in the Judiciary’s buildings”.