A release from the Jamaica Constabulary Force says such an application must be made at least 10 days in advance. Additionally, it must be accompanied by a Places of Amusement licence, which is granted by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and parish councils.

"Once permission is given by divisional commanders, promoters of events can then advertise and make the necessary preparations. The practice of advertising events before permission is granted by the police is not advisable, as this will not affect the decision to grant or not to grant permission for the staging of events," read the release.

Additionally, it said, "Permission is not granted by divisional commanders for the staging of events. Interested parties can appeal to the commissioner of police."

There is a flip side, however, as noted in the release. It said, "If permission is granted, promoters of events must adhere to the stipulations contained in their letter of permission." If this is not done, prosecution, penalties and the non-granting of licences can result in the future.

security deposit

The reminder from the police comes on the heels of an announcement by Desmond McKenzie, mayor of Kingston, who said that as of December 1, persons who mount display boards promoting events would be required to make a security deposit of $50,000.

McKenzie, who made the announcement at the KSAC's monthly meeting on Tuesday, said the deposit could be recovered after the event.

Persons will have two days after the event to remove advertisement boards.

The administrative staff at the KSAC recommended the new regulation as the corporation had been encountering event promoters who advertised events without permission in the area. According to the KSAC, the promoters leave the boards up for extended periods of time. When the boards stay up too long, it is the KSAC who pulls them down. Invariably, the KSAC has to bear the cost of those operations.