Suspension or cancellation of licence

(1) Notwithstanding any prosecution that may be instituted under this Act, the Registrar may suspend a licence of the proprietor of any licensed hotel or tourist accommodation who– (a) fails or neglects, 31 (i) to renew this licence for the current year; (ii) to maintain the register of guests as provided by this Act or by Regulations made thereunder; (iii) to comply with any directions issued by the Registrar from time to time; (iv) to pay accommodation tax by the prescribed dates when such tax is due and payable; (v) to provide information called for by the Registrar; (vi) fails or neglects to display the licence, required signs, or any of the information required to be provided to a guest; or (vii) to comply with any regulation made by the Minister, in relation to minimum registration, licensing and operating requirements; or (b) obstructs any authorised person from inspecting the premises, records, documents or books of account required to be kept by this Act. (2) The Registrar may cancel a licence and/or direct a hotel or tourist accommodation to be closed on any of the following grounds32 (a) the failure of proprietor to register his premises; (b) the failure of the proprietor to obtain or to renew a licence; (c) the failure of the proprietor to pay accommodation tax on the prescribed dates as specified in sections 23 and 24 of this Act; (d) the failure of the proprietor to pay correct accommodation tax; (e) if the proprietor is convicted of any criminal offence in relation to the premises or any of the proprietor’s agents or employees are convicted of a criminal offence in relation to the premises, which they committed with the proprietor’s consent, encouragement, knowledge or aid, or if the proprietor knowingly and actively participated in the commission of such offence; (f) if the proprietor fails to ensure that the premises are maintained in keeping with the minimum standards of health, accommodation and service as prescribed in regulations made by the Minister. (3) Where the Registrar suspends or cancels a licence under this section, he shall without delay inform the proprietor to whom the licence so suspended or cancelled was granted, and inform him of the reasons for the suspension or cancellation. (4) Upon the cancellation of the licence, the Registrar shall order the hotel or tourist accommodation to be closed forthwith or on such date as the Registrar may determine. 33 (5) Upon the cancellation or suspension of the licence, the Registrar shall– (a) order the removal of all public signs advertising the or accommodation; and (b) issue a public notice advising of the closure of the hotel or tourist accommodation.