Police have arrested Twenty-four persons including three bar-owners and a bartender. They were detained by officers of the South Western Division during COVID-19 bar exercises conducted in the Penal and Siparia districts yesterday.
The exercises coordinated by Snr. Supt. Gomez-Cooper were conducted between 5:00 pm to midnight yesterday in the Penal and Siparia district.
During the first exercise, officers of the Penal Police Station, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and South Western Division Task Force (SWDTF) went to a bar at Laltoo Trace Junction, Penal where they found thirteen (13) persons inside the establishment.
The 45-year-old proprietor and 39-year-old bartender were also arrested for providing the amenity of seated dining at a restaurant and conducting the business of a bar during the specified period under Public Health Regulations, Legal Notice 18/2020.
Eleven patrons were arrested for gathering at a public place where the number of persons exceeded ten persons under the Public Health Regulations, Legal Notice 18/2020.
During the second exercise in the Siparia district, officers of the Siparia Police Station, CID and SWDTF proceeded to a bar located at Anthony Branch Trace, Syne Village, Siparia where they found 11 persons inside the establishment.
Two proprietors, a 30-year-old and a 21-year-old, who was also acting as bartenders, were arrested for providing the amenity of seated dining at a restaurant and conducting the business of a bar during the specified period under Public Health Regulations, Legal Notice 18/2020.
The nine patrons were arrested as well for gathering at a public place where the number of persons exceeded ten persons under the Public Health Regulations, Legal Notice 18/2020.
Investigations are continuing.
