MP Hilaire wants to know: When will alcohol restrictions be eased?

On March 29 the Saint Lucia government announced the suspension of all liquor licenses, and a 11:00 pm to 5:00 am curfew as they rolled out “stronger measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” The curfew has since changed to 7:00 pm- 5:00 am, and the government is hoping to announce a “phased re-opening” of the country on April 26. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says that this announcement is dependent on several factors, including whether any new COVID-19 cases are recorded.

Speaking at today’s House of Assembly sitting, Castries South MP Dr. Ernest Hialire— pointing to concerns of his constituents — raised the issue of alcohol restrictions. Specifically, he questioned what was wrong with an individual being allowed to purchase “a bottle of wine” at a supermarket, and drink it at their home.

Said the MP: “I understand and support closing down the restuarants and the bars where people congregate and drink. But is there anything fundamentally wrong with somebody going to a supermarket and buying a drink to take home to drink?”

He added: “Some people have contacts where they can still get alcohol, they can still get wine! But what about those of us that don’t have those contacts? Some of my people want to know when will the competent authority ease up on that, the same way they easing up on certain businesses opening.”

UPDATE:

Speaking at the House of Assembly sitting, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet addressed the situation. He said: “The government is looking very closely at when we can announce that we would start liquor. The process would be through the grocery stores and gas stations initially, and then slowly being able to bring liquor back into our market, as we become more comfortable. We’re certainly being advised by the CMO when it comes to that.”

Regarding alcohol and COVID-19, The World Health Organization has stated: “Alcohol use, especially heavy use, weakens the immune system and reduces its ability to cope with infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Heavy alcohol use is a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the most severe complications of COVID-19… Alcohol consumption may intensify fear, anxiety or depression, especially when people are in isolation, and should not be used as a coping strategy to deal with distress.”