Small Businesses Calling For More Lenient Curfew Hours

More Lenient Curfew Hours: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has again extended the nightly island wide curfew.

CVM LIVE spoke with two business owners in Montego Bay who have not really been affected by the curfew.

However, business operators in Portland say the curfew is bad for business and they want the Government to make an adjustment, especially for the Christmas season.

The island wide curfew hours will remain at 9 pm – 5 am each day until December 1. That’s word from the Prime Minister. 

For some business operators, the curfew has not really affected their sales. 

Among them is, Pharmacist and owner of J & J Pharmacy in Montego Bay, Shirley Jones, who believes the curfew is absolutely necessary.

Anthony Pearson, owner of the largest department store in Montego Bay, tells CVM LIVE that he has not laid off any staff members or reduced their salaries. While a strong supporter of the curfew, he believes the Government could be a bit more lenient.

Some business operators in Portland are hoping for this, as they express that their sales have dropped significantly.

For one man who operates a small jerk business, the number of recoveries is an indication that the curfew hours can be relaxed.

Economist Ralston Hyman echoes the sentiments of those business operators and is hoping the Government will examine the curfew hours, especially during the Christmas season.