Online poll: Most want liquor stores open later

Most of the respondents to last week’s cayCompass.com online poll think Cayman’s package liquor stores should be able to stay open until 10pm.  

Of the 608 total respondents, 365 of them – 60 per cent – thought all liquor stores should be allowed to stay open until 10pm regardless of the district in which they are located. 

“When is Cayman finally going to realise it isn’t 1960 anymore and understand that the country has moved on from needing antiquated laws to keep people in line?” commented one person. “Maybe 10pm is a little too late; maybe 9pm would be better, but 7pm in George Town just doesn’t make sense in today’s world, especially if other districts can stay open later.” 

“Are we living in the dark ages?” asked someone else. “Why can’t stores be open on Sundays, too? It’s so silly. It’s 2012; let’s wake up.” 

“It’s ridiculous to not allow liquor stores in George Town to remain open until 10pm if you allow liquor stores in other districts to stay open that late,” said another person. 

“Proprietors should be able to close anytime up until the specified latest time limit,” said one respondent. 

“Let’s be honest,” said someone else. “So much around here revolves around alcohol. The stores need longer hours. We need our booze.” 

Another 119 people – 19.6 per cent – thought all the liquor stores in Grand Cayman should be allowed to remain open only until 7pm. 

“Having liquor stores and bars in the districts are a bad idea and the destruction of many of our young people can be traced to access to these establishments,” said one person. “It is just amazing at the number of liquor establishments, including boutique bars in Grand Cayman and the illegal activities taking place at these establishments.” 

“Cayman Islands people are good folks,” said someone else. “I don’t think more alcohol access will help them and their community.” 

Only 34 people – 5.6 per cent – thought the current situation where George Town liquor stores have to close by 7pm and some liquor stores in other districts can stay open until 10pm was the right choice. 

Another 66 people – 10.8 per cent – said they didn’t care how late the liquor stores stayed open. 

“We customers know the opening hours and adjust our schedule, tourists included, so why the big fuss? Are the liquor stores not satisfied with their hours?” commented one person. 

Twenty-four people – 4 per cent – responded “other” to the question. 

Several thought the liquor stores should be open 24 hours, some even on Sundays. Another person said 11pm. Others thought they should close at 5pm or 5.30pm.  

“I would have closed every single one of them down, permanently,” said one person. 

“I suggest 9pm,” said someone else. “It will give customers the opportunity to shop when they have the time and not to rush to get to the liquor store before 7pm – which is always useful on a Friday or Saturday night when a flash party kicks-off.” 

“It should depend on crimes in the area because of drinking,” said another person. “10pm in George Town for vacationers – income from them would be great. But like I said – unless it’s a problem.”  

“There are far too many liquor stores/outlets in Grand Cayman,” said one person. “It is a shame the amount of liquor licenses that continue to be granted in this small Island. Government seems to have no concern or regard for our children, our young people, or the elderly, as long as they can get income from this terrible monster. It is a real disgrace. I’d love to outlaw most of these liquor premises. The Cayman Islands would be much better off without them. With respect to the opening hours, I would suggest 10am to 5pm, Monday through Friday; 10am to 3pm on Saturday and closed all day on Sunday. None of these stores should remain open until 7pm.”  

Next week’s poll question 

How often do you eat dinner in restaurants in Cayman? 

Three or more times a week 

Once or twice a week 

Once or twice a month 

Rarely or never 

I don’t live in Cayman