“We Lounge” staff assaulted a guest at the establishment with a bottle
MAHO, Sint Maarten — On Sunday morning at around 1:50am, police were notified about an alleged assault at We Lounge in Maho. Several police patrols were dispatched to the location.
Upon arrival at the location, it became apparent that the main entrance to the premises was closed although there was a party still ongoing in the establishment.
A further investigation by the police revealed that the We Lounge had organized a private party after the decreed closing time of 11:00pm, in violation of the ministerial decree aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
In the course of this private party, a brawl ensued during which the victim, A.P. a guest, was allegedly assaulted with a bottle. The victim sustained a laceration to the head.
A quick investigation at the premises led police to the suspect responsible for the assault who was still at the location. This suspect with the initials O.N. was later detained by the patrol and taken to the station where he remains pending further investigation.
In recent days, police and other government entities have discovered several businesses that closed their doors at 11:00pm, but continue to hold private parties after the decreed closing. These types of behavior will no longer be tolerated by law enforcement.
Personnel representing TEATT and KPSM are working together to combat practice.
According to the ministerial decree, the controllers of the Ministry of TEATT is the only one who can give out the heavy fines to establishments who violates this law. Unless the Minister of TEATT in a cooperation with the Minister of Justice by a ministerial decree appoints at least 4 high rank police officers who also will have this authorization.
Video # 1: https://www.facebook.com/sxmpaparazzi/videos/820101598684635
Video # 2: https://www.facebook.com/sxmpaparazzi/videos/561207688328676
Video # 3: https://www.facebook.com/sxmpaparazzi/videos/565641774776458
