+ News and Press
---------------------------------------------
Jacques Scott Moving to Savannah
Monday 11th June, 2007 (Cayman Compass)

Savannah/Newlands’ reputation as a "dry" area is to change, as a liquor store has been given the green light to move there.

Three months on from its initial hearing, Jacques Scott has finally got permission from the Liquor Licensing Board to relocate its Red Bay liquor store to Savannah.

But those who had objected to the liquor store for Savannah/Newlands, on the grounds that it is a traditionally dry area and they wanted it to stay that way, were described as “very disappointed” by attorney Waide DaCosta. He said a press statement on the issue would be forthcoming but it had not been received by press time.

On Thursday, before the decision had been announced, Mr. DaCosta noted to the Board that the objectors have a 90 day window for a judicial review on the decision made.

The Liquor Licensing Board of Grand Cayman ratified the Chairman’s decision for Jacques Scott Wine and Spirits to move from Red Bay to Countryside Shopping Village. The news came Friday morning, following closed deliberations by the Board after a quarterly session at Custom’s Headquarters Thursday.

The Board’s legal counsel Simon Dickson said, “The Board has discharged its function under the law,” and said they did not wish to comment any further.

The store is moving from Red Bay Plaza, which is being knocked down for road improvements, with tenants to vacate their stores in less than two months’ time.

At Friday’s Cabinet Press Briefing the Minister under which the Liquor Licensing Board falls, Charles Clifford, said the Ministry acknowledges the decision of the Board.

“I would like to thank the Board for resolving this matter yesterday as planned.”

He said the Liquor Licensing Law sets out clear parameters for the operation of the Board as well as factors they must consider in deciding whether to grant or refuse an application.

“I recognise, given the volume of public discussion and legal proceedings, there were inherent challenges during the recent deliberations and we trust the Board followed its mandate as set out in the law”.

Mr. Clifford added that before this issue came up with Jacque’s Scott’s application, there was a comprehensive review done of the Liquor Licensing Law, and the Ministry is vetting that report with a view to bringing some amendments to the law to the Legislative Assembly in September this year. “But that is not connected to Jacques Scott’s application,” the Minister emphasised.

In a press statement, the Jacques Scott group said it was very pleased with the result of the meeting.

“As we stated in our application of 8 March 2007, we intend to operate our business in Savannah responsibly and in full compliance with the law.

“We are also committed to bringing to Countryside Village a first class retail outlet incorporating fine wines, fine dining accessories, glassware, cooking and kitchen utensils.”

They thanked the large number of residents of the Savannah/Newlands area and adjoining districts who have supported them over the past three months.

At the initial hearing by the Board on 8 March, members of the local Savannah/Newlands community and Church of God objected to the liquor store being in a main shopping area in such proximity to three churches and a primary school. They also feel the store will lead to drink driving and subsequent related fatalities.

However, Peter Dutton of Jacques Scott assured the objectors that the company would be a good neighbour.

Following the 8 March meeting of the Liquor Licensing Board the decision was deferred pending further deliberations.

On 7 May Chairman of the Board Mitchell Welds made a decision under Section 13 (1) B of the Liquor Licensing Law to approve the variation in licence, and the board was to consider it at Thursday’s 7 June quarterly meeting.

The Grand Court gave directions on the 5 June in respect of the 7 June meeting and in pursuant to these no more representations from the public could be heard, Mr. Welds noted on Thursday. A decision would be made during closed deliberations, attendees were told.

A group of about 20 Savannah/Newlands residents opposed to the store turned out at Thursday’s 7 June meeting, although they were not permitted to make any public representations to the board.

Alongside Chairman Mitchell Welds at Thursday’s meeting were board members Ruth Williams, Bernice Richards, Craig Nixon. Deputy Chair Lynn Bodden–Smatt was absent because of illness. Executive Secretary Marva Scott was also present, as were Chief Inspector George Watson of the RCIPS, Liquor Inspector Donald Green and the Board’s legal counsel Mr. Dickson.