Antigua and Barbuda: The government has taken the decision to ban alcohol sales on the occasion of Good Friday, April 3, 2026, while reminding the shop owners that all retail premises licensed to sell, show, or store alcohol must remain closed to the public for the entire day.
The authorities announced the ban on April 1, and stated that the ban will begin at midnight on Thursday, April 2 and conclude at midnight on Good Friday, to prevent unforeseen incidents. But the establishments operating under a hotel, tavern, or club licence are exempt from the full closure and may continue specific operations under their respective terms.
Also, the penalties will be imposed on the people who break the rules on the mentioned day, which can further lead to the cancellation or revocation of the license of the shopowners to sell liquor who are not exempt from the ban.
The government stated that the restriction is done in accordance with the Licensing (Intoxicating Liquor) (Amendment) Act, No. 9 of 2014. This ban also intended to mark respect for Good Friday, which is observed by the Christian community in Antigua and Barbuda as a solemn day of mourning and reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB), led by Commissioner Everton Jeffers, are urging the liquor shop owners as well as the public to act accordingly and comply with the ban if they don’t want to get charged. The officers also warned the seller not to sell alcohol illegally or in black, and if they were found doing that their licence would be revoked immediately.
Following the ban, most retail shops, like Epicurean Antigua, have already issued a notice to the public or their customers to buy stocks as soon as possible as they will not be able to sell it on the other day specifically from midnight Thursday until the end of Good Friday.
The ban got mixed reactions from the community as some people are describing it as unnecessary and an infringement of their rights while some people including the Christian community are happy with this ban.
