Legislation tweaking regulations on everything from trademarks to classic cars was rubber-stamped during a busy morning session in the Senate yesterday.

The Government had brought forward ten Bills for their second readings and final approval after they were passed in the House of Assembly in recent weeks.

First under the hammer was the Distilleries Licensing Act 2023.

Government Senate Leader Owen Darrell said the Bill would establish an industry for the distillation of spirits on the island and allow for their sale and supply.

He said the Bill would create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in “a new industry sector” by overturning laws dating back to 1890 that banned the distillation and sale of hard liquor.

He also warned that the distillation process was full of dangerous safety pitfalls, which is why it needed to be regulated.

“This is not a process that can be set up in any part of the house or neighbourhood,” he said.

He said the Bill will allow for two types of licence — one for small-scale production of spirits, and a commercial distillery licence for large-scale production, sale and export.

Mr Darrell promised that the new industry would promote employment opportunities and business expansion under the oversight of regulators.

The opposition One Bermuda Alliance supported the Bill. Douglas De Couto, the OBA’s finance spokesman, said it was “a very interesting idea of how to take advantage of Bermuda’s brand and history”.

The Trade Marks Act 2023 will repeal 50-year-old laws to provide upgrades to the island’s trademark framework.

Mr Darrell said that it was essential for Bermuda to modernise intellectual property rights and patents to meet compliance with international regulations.

He said: “This Bill will reposition Bermuda’s trademark legislation to be more consistent with global industry standards and practices and more competitive in the global market.“

The Bill also establishes new penalties for copyright infringement.

The Bill was supported by the OBA under its new leader, Robin Tucker who succeeds Ben Smith. Mr Smith is standing as an OBA candidate in today’s Smith’s South by-election.

Also passed were Bills regulating government fees relating to trademarks.

Mr Darrell said that the amendment will result in an increase in fees for the Government.

Asked a series of technical questions about the new charges by Mr De Couto, Mr Darrell chuckled before confessing: “I am not the expert on this stuff.” He referred to technical officers for the “correct and accurate response”.

The Health Insurance Amendment Act was presented by Arianna Hodgson, the junior health minister.

The Act will extend insurance cover for expectant mothers and ensure that “all children will have an equal and healthy start to life”, she said.

Financial assistance laws also came in for an overhaul, with new protections being introduced for financial assistance officers.

Amendments to the National Training Board Act will bolster oversight of the organisation.

The Act will also provide the body with a new name — the National Certification and Apprenticeship Board.