St. John’s Antigua- As the 2012 Carnival approaches, St John’s Development Corporation (SJDC) has declared the official Carnival Vending Period, and is publicising the rules and regulations for all vendors.

The vending period will be from July 2 to August 11; actual Carnival dates are from July 28 to August 7.

The corporation has already begun accepting applications for Carnival vending. Vendors can apply to SJDC between the hours of 8:30 am and 3 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

A fee of EC $300 will be charged for clothing, toys, gifts; $250 for food; $150 for small trays and coolers and $100 for small trays only. Vendors must also pay a mandatory alternate fee of $50.00.

Rules and regulations for this period include:

1. No vending is allowed alongside any bank during working hours.
2. The vendor must not block or obscure the passage to any authorised business in St John’s city. Vendors must sell only in spot assigned by SJDC.
3. A vendor selling food must have a valid food handler’s permit. Food vendors with BBQ grills must have a fire extinguisher standing by while plying their trade.
4. A vendor selling alcoholic beverages must have a valid liquor licence.
5. The maximum size of tents must be 10×10 feet.  The vendor is allowed the use of a tent, or umbrella, but not both. No tents or umbrellas are allowed in the streets, only on sidewalks.
6. All tents inclusive of tables, chairs, crates, trays, must be removed at the end of each day. Failure to comply with this request will result in the tents being moved by St John’s Development Corporation and the revocation of the license.
7. The vendor must keep his/her stall table or fittings clean and free of litter. Vendors must sell only in the area designated by the corporation.

On J’Ouvert Morning and during the Troupes and Groups parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, vending is prohibited on the corners of Market and High Streets and Market and Redcliffe Streets. No tents or BBQ grills are allowed on the streets of the J’Ouvert Morning route.

Vendors selling drinks to include liquor must apply for a liquor license. Bottled drinks must not be sold to consumers, and all drinks must be served in a plastic cup.

Vendors are reminded that illegal vending is punishable upon summary conviction by a fine of $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months.

For more information contact Carolyn Thomas-Parker, SJDC Communications and Marketing Manager at 481-7501/ 481-7515/ 727-0232; or Ruth Carr, Purchasing Control Stock Officer at 481-7513.