7 News Belize

AG Says Shut 'Em Down
posted (April 2, 2020)

But, like we said, a variety of retail stores were still open.  And that included Mirab, which advertised its adjusted opening hours.  That drew fire on Facebook, from many who said the Department store was not an essential service.  

And, tonight, the news is that the Belize Constitution Emergency Powers Regulations have been adjusted to say that - basically - only grocery stores and restaurants should be open, not hardware or general supplies stores. The Attorney Geenral gave the breakdown on today's "Ask The Experts" show:

Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General

"Once the Governor General signs these amendments today, then places like Mirab and Simone Quan that are open right now are going to have to be closed or they will be in violation of the law. First one is hardware stores for delivery services only to approved businesses allowed to operate under these regulations. If you are a hardware store, you have to close down and the only way your customers can get your goods or buy your goods and services is if you are willing to deliver it for them. So the shop have to shut but you can operate in the background to deliver goods and services to the people who need it. You cannot have an open store front."

Mirab didn't just take that though.  The store posted a lawyerly response saying, quote "Mirab does not and has never felt that it falls under "Essential Services".  It remains open for deliveries only under the heading of "approved business" particularly being a wholesaler and retailer...related to other approved businesses (including) restaurants and hotels In addition, Mirab's financing arm, SunCredit Financing is specifically allowed under "Financial Institutions" which includes Money Lending Institutions." End quote.  The company is now offering Whatsapp delivery service.

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7 News Belize