Amusement Licence Required for Entertainment Events

Mayor of Kingston, Senator Angela Brown Burke, is reminding persons staging entertainment activities within the Corporate Area that they require an amusement licence from the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

Addressing a press conference prior to the start of the KSAC’s monthly meeting at its Church Street chambers in downtown Kingston on November 13, Mayor Brown Burke said these include: parties, dances, festivals, stage shows, plays and sporting events.

She pointed out that applications must be made five clear working days ahead of the proposed date of the event, and that the same rules apply for the display of signs promoting and advertising events.

“They too require the permission of the KSAC…we have simplified this process, so it should go much more smoothly. The application process includes completing an application form, putting the type of sign that is going to be displayed, the size of the sign, the location, and the payment of fees,” she outlined.

Senator Brown Burke noted that to ensure compliance and in keeping with the joined-up approach of governance, the KSAC will be seeking assistance and cooperation from the Commissioner of Police, venue operators, the Jamaica Association of Composers Authors and Publishers, the Jamaica Music Society, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

“We will also be actively monitoring the activities taking place during the upcoming weeks to ensure compliance. Where no licence has been obtained from the KSAC, we will be closing these events,” she warned, adding also that where signs are posted without the approval of the KSAC, they will also be removed.

“We are going to be having the discussions with the councillors to ensure that consequences are attached to those who continue to flout the law and to disregard their responsibility,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor indicated that discussions are being finalised with a major corporate sponsor to host another shopping fest at St. William Grant Park, from December 12 to 15.