Rick’s Cafe in Negril, Westmoreland, which was ordered closed after it was revealed that COVID-19 protocols were breached there during its controversial hosting of international party series Mocha Fest, has been allowed to reopen for business.

The venue had been shut down on May 28 as Jamaicans reacted in anger to a double standard they believed was exposed in viral footage of partygoers crowded together in reckless abandon while other entertainment events and venues across the island have been prevented from opening their doors or getting under way.

The Mocha Fest patrons were reportedly all from overseas and required to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test. Locals were barred from entering.

Today, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, said Rick’s Cafe’s closure resulted from it emerging, during a meeting with the venue’s management, that its Places of Amusement Licence had expired.

“Since then they have completed the application process and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has issued them with this licence,” McKenzie said.

The Tourism Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) had also withdrawn its COVID-19 compliance certification after the incident last month and indicated that Rick’s Cafe would have to undergo a recertification exercise to ensure strict adherence to the established COVID-19 health and safety protocols before it would be allowed to accept visitors again.

Noting that Rick’s Cafe was now compliant with the requirement for a Places of Amusement Licence, and was already certified by the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, McKenzie said it would be allowed to return to business.

“However, this does not facilitate parties or any other entertainment events at Rick’s Café, as these are still banned by Order across the island,” he added.

“The Government remains vigilant about appropriately managing COVID-19, while gradually reopening the economy. To this end, we continue to seek the public’s help in reporting any breaches as they occur. If there is far greater compliance with the public health protocols, we will more quickly get to the goal of a full resumption of economic and social life.”