An announcement that stores could soon be able to sell spirits on Sundays has been welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce.

Reacting to the Speech from the Throne, Chamber president Ronnie Viera said: “[We] have always advocated for the relaxation of liquor licensing restrictions on Sundays and public holidays so we are pleased that the relevant legislation will be amended to allow for this.”

Alfonso Harris, owner of Churchill’s in St George’s, also applauded the move saying the move could benefit the Island’s tourists.

“They are not used to being denied it. They come by on Sunday and everything is shut down,” he said. “Maybe this would encourage businesses to open more on Sundays and help give our visitors a better product.

“I think this is a better thing for serving not only visitors, but our local customers as well. I’m very happy about it, and I’m glad to hear it. I don’t think there should be any problem.”

A section of yesterday’s Throne Speech stated: “The prohibition of alcohol sales by retail outlets on Sundays has been a feature of Bermudian society for a long time. However, times have changed. Locals and tourists alike wish to be able to purchase beer, wines and spirits on a Sunday.

“Accordingly, Government will amend the Liquor Licence Act 1974 to allow for the purchase of wine and spirits on Sundays from retail outlets that are permitted to operate in accordance with the Public Holidays Act 1947.”

Government also announced that liquor licenced bars and nightclubs will soon be required to carry out mandatory ID checks, while other licence holders will be empowered to require proof of age before serving alcohol.

Teresa Chatfield, of the Chamber of Commerce’s restaurant division, said Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley recently had a meeting with members of the nightclub and bar industry to discuss security, safety and underage drinking.

“The concept of how to implement any changes was also raised so that it neither became onerous nor affected the tourism industry in negative fashion,” she said. “Under-age drinking is not condoned by the industry and there is a recognition that businesses, the police and the community need to work together to ensure the safety of patrons, the exclusion of the under-age who would be at risk.

“On a lighter note I would hope that ID checks are kept to those who are obviously younger and one doesn’t end up with grandmothers being challenged as has happened in other jurisdictions.”