Ministerial Decree Extended for Businesses with Adjustments to Restaurant Closing Hours

PHILIPSBURG -- The Minister of TEATT Ludmila de Weever has taken the decision, after discussion with the Council of Ministers, for commercial premises with licenses for clubs, adult entertainment, discotheques, bars, and lounges, such as cigar lounges to remain closed until September 15, 2020. This decision was not taken lightly, especially after consulting with various business owners. However, this restriction allows the country additional time to control what is deemed as higher risk activities while balancing the need to continue supporting the survival of businesses, particularly as we enter our slow season. Another factor in the decision making included our medical capacity limitations as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Restaurants are allowed to remain open as long as they close by midnight, ensure continued social distancing measures, wearing of face masks, and proper hand sanitization. The Ministerial Decree of Monday, August 17, 2020, for the designated parking lot at the Simpson Bay Beach location, known as Kim Sha Beach Market Place has been revoked. A new Ministerial Decree has been implemented for the Kim Sha Beach Market Place allowing for those businesses to close at 11:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays and to close by midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Related: Vendors incensed over ‘sneaky’ decision to change operating hours Minister de Weever informs the community that priority should be placed on ensuring social distancing, mask usage, and proper hand sanitization in all activities for the foreseeable future in order for Sint Maarten to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while returning allowing businesses to return to regular operations. The Minister thanks the business owners for their continued support.