The City of Hamilton has urged businesses to not break Bermuda’s advertising laws, warning that breaches can result in legal consequences.

A spokeswoman said: “Recent observations indicate a rise in unauthorised installations, such as flag signs, sandwich boards and pop-up tents, which contravene local regulations and disrupt the orderly environment of our capital.”

She explained that the Building Act 1988 and the Hamilton Traffic and Sidewalk Ordinance 1988 regulate temporary structures and the use of public spaces to ensure sidewalks and plazas remain accessible and free of unauthorised obstructions.

“Under the Hamilton Traffic and Sidewalk Ordinance 1988, individuals must not ‘post or attach any bill, sign or poster to, or on, any Corporation property’,” the spokeswoman said.

“Any encroachment on Corporation property is prohibited and may result in penalties or removal of the encroaching items.

“To maintain the integrity and accessibility of public spaces, the City urges everyone to respect these regulations and refrain from unauthorised use of Corporation property.

“The Corporation of Hamilton provides specific guidelines and permits related to the use of public spaces, which can be found on our permits page.”

The spokeswoman added that the Advertisements Regulation Act 1911, which regulates signs, billboards and posters, prohibits public advertisements unless they fall into specific categories.

Categories include advertisements relating solely to events, sales or property on the land where they are displayed, official notices or proclamations authorised by the Governor, Government entities or the court, and business advertisements inside display windows or premises.

The legislation also regulates signs, prohibiting flashing or illuminated signs visible from public streets along with sandwich boards carried by people and vehicles used solely for advertising purposes.

Advertisements may not use the national flag or Royal portraits.

The Corporation of Hamilton and the Corporation of St George’s can grant licences for advertisements on land in their jurisdiction, if the property owner or occupier approves it and the space for advertising structures does not exceed six feet in height.

Contraventions to the Act may result in fines which include $720 for an initial offence and $144 per day for continuing offences.

The spokeswoman warned that the Bermuda Police Service will “intensify efforts to ensure compliance” and temporary structures will be subject to removal, with violators potentially facing legal consequences.

Dwayne Caines, the City of Hamilton chief executive, said the municipality was dedicated to preserving a “safe, welcoming and well-organised environment for all”.

He added: “We urge everyone to operate responsibly, respecting city guidelines to maintain the city's charm and functionality.”

• For more information, visitcityofhamilton.bm