"Our Island's celebration should be marked with joy, unity, and harmony, and it is imperative that we, as a community, prioritise the well-being and safety of our citizens, particularly our youth," said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks, JP, MP, ahead of the Cup Match holiday weekend.
As we approach this much-anticipated period, the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) is keen to ensure the safety and compliance of all liquor-licensed premises.
With this in mind, the LLA is issuing a timely reminder to all liquor licence holders about the mandatory conditions of their licenses, specifically relating to the examination of photographic identification as proof of age before the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor.
The law explicitly requires liquor licence holders to thoroughly examine methods of photo identification of patrons to guard against the sale of alcohol to minors before selling liquor.
Minister Weeks has backed the LLA's reminder and added: "I want to make it unequivocally clear that supplying alcohol to underage individuals is not only an offence under the law, but a grave violation of our duty as responsible adults.
"The Bermuda community must come together to uphold our collective responsibility in safeguarding our young generation from the harmful consequences of underage drinking. I strongly emphasise that this irresponsible act will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
"Let us honour the spirit of Cup Match by celebrating responsibly and creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity for all."
According to the LLA, "photographic identification" includes documents bearing a photograph of the person, their date of birth, and a holographic mark, such as a valid driver's licence, a valid passport, or other valid Government-issued identification.
In cases where a person is requested to provide photographic identification as proof of age and fails to do so, it is the duty of the licensed person, their servant, or agent to take immediate action, which involves refusing to sell or supply intoxicating liquor to that individual, or banning their entry to the licensed premises and requiring them to leave.