Sad songs for New Year’s Eve

Hon Charles Clifford	Owner of the O Bar and The Attic, Don Seymour

Monday,  November 14, 2005

Nightclub owners are hopping mad over Government’s decision not to extend the New Year’s Eve party with alcohol and more importantly music and dancing beyond the midnight deadline as prescribed in the Cayman Islands Sunday Music and Dance law.

Minister of Tourism and Commerce, Hon Charles Clifford last week disclosed that Government had decided against an amendment to the law following requests from the business and tourism community to extend the hours to accommodate the 2006 welcoming partying at nightclubs, lounges and restaurants.

Mr Clifford said the proposals were considered from both sides for and against the idea and a decision to keep the status quo was made. “The proposal to amend the law to allow for the sale of alcohol and to allow live music to continue beyond the hour of midnight on New Year’s Eve was not approved,” said the Minister.

“In reviewing the matter, the Government considered the argument both in support and against the proposal and has decided that the existing laws will not be changed.”

Owner of the O Bar and The Attic, Don Seymour, said the value of the entertainment sector is overlooked. “I speak for most Caymanians when I say that Government does not recognize the value of the entertainment to the quality of life to Caymanians and visitors,” he said.

Mr Seymour said the Government had left the main players in that sector out when making the decision. “It is unfortunate they took that decision unilaterally without consulting with industry leaders. No one had a say in the matter,” he said.

He lamented the administration’s budge on the issue, saying it spells trouble for the future development of entertainment here. “It is a sad day when Government will not help entertainment businesses develop and that is a troubling thing for the future,” Mr Seymour said.

The Next Level nightclub and the Aqua Beach Restaurant and Bar will feel the economic pinch, as they had big parties planned for 31 December. “We had planned on doing a fantastic New Year’s party like last year with live bands and DJs but we’re going to lose money so we might close early,’ said Jason Moir, Manager of Aqua Beach.

“A night of celebration and we have to close our doors, it’s sad how this is going to affect our tourism and hospitality industry.” Mr Moir said not having the changes to the law to allow the use of alcohol past midnight was hurting everyone. “We’re hurting, our guests are hurting and our workers are feeling it too because these events bring us revenue. We’re not asking to open late every night, this is a big event,” he said.

At the Marriott Resort, the party is in limbo as one employee told Net News, explaining that they may not have the kind of activity as had been envisioned. “The party might be over before it’s started because we were awaiting a positive response from Government on the New Year’s Eve issue,” said a Marriott staff member. But the Hyatt Regency is not complaining because it has scheduled a scaled down music menu due to its limited operations in the post Hurricane Ivan era.

“Our plans will not be affected as we intend to serve dinner with some light music. Yes, we will be celebrating the New Year but with no heavy entertainment,” said the General Manager of Hyatt Regency, Diego Concha.

Last month, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) was confident the Government would be flexible in allowing Caymanians and visitors to usher in 2006 with live music and dancing. The CITA’s comments follow concerns from business executives that New Year’s Day would be celebrated quietly, given the Island’s no music and dance policy on Sundays. President of the CITA, Karie Bergstrom, said there were no obstacles and approval would likely be granted to some of their 175 members.

“We don’t think it will be an obstacle at the moment as long as Government approves it,” Ms Bergstrom told Cayman Net News in October. Attempts to reach CITA officials up to press time proved futile, as Net News tried to get the Association’s reaction to the Government’s latest position. Tourism Minister Clifford called for respect of Government’s verdict on the matter which generated much public discussion in light of several Net News reports that New Year’s
Eve dancing may be curtailed by legal means.

“I trust that even where persons may disagree with the decision that they will respect that Government considered this matter long and hard,” he said. He also said no consideration was given to the Christmas Eve proposal.

“The Government at no time considered this proposal with respect to Christmas Eve as it is so contrary to the traditions of these Islands.” For Mr Seymour it is a case of respecting and abiding with the law, saying that Government did not care about the wishes of the sector. “You cannot do anything about it because the Government has said that your opinion does not matter. We will respect the law and abide by the decision. Any protesting will not change the decision,” he said.

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