Police Amend Easter Liquor Rules Allowing Hotels Extended Sales Hours

Belizean businesses are being reminded to adhere to revised liquor licensing regulations for the Easter weekend, following an official amendment issued by the Belize Police Department.

In a directive dated April 1, the Commissioner of Police announced a key adjustment to previously circulated guidelines governing the sale of liquor during the holiday period. The amendment specifically affects establishments operating under hotel licenses.  According to the updated notice, the clause requiring special permission from the Chairman of the Licensing Board has now been removed. This means that hotel license holders are authorized to sell liquor daily between seven in the morning and midnight throughout the Easter weekend.  However, the directive makes it clear that this permission is not without restriction. Liquor sold on hotel premises is limited to guests or bona fide travelers and must be consumed on-site or sold in sealed containers for off-premises use.  The broader schedule of operations outlined in Annex One remains in effect for other license categories. Publican general license holders will see closures on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, while limited hours apply on Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Monday. Meanwhile, establishments such as bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and convenience stores are subject to specific closure periods ranging from midnight to early morning hours across the long weekend.  Additionally, shop and beer license holders are required to close by nine p.m. on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, while nightclubs must remain closed between two a.m. and ten a.m. during the same period.  Authorities say these measures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain public order and ensure responsible alcohol consumption during one of the busiest holiday periods on the national calendar.  The Belize Police Department is urging all license holders to familiarize themselves with the updated regulations, as enforcement will be carried out across the country throughout the Easter weekend./