Restaurants and Nightlife

New legislation banning smoking in public places came into effect today.

One of the key elements of the Cayman Islands’ Tobacco Law 2008 is that smoking restrictions will apply in certain public places from December 31 2009.

Buildings covered by the law include enclosed restaurants and bars, public transportation terminals, public toilets, shopping malls and shops.

The legislation permits designated smoking areas in open areas of bars and restaurants. These must be clearly signed and 10 feet from non-smoking areas.

The sale of alcohol on Election Day (May 20 2009) has been restricted by the Liquor Licensing Board of Grand Cayman.

Under the rules the sale of alcohol will be banned until 7 pm, one hour after the polls close.

Grand Cayman’s annual food and drink festival will be held at Camana Bay on November 1 2008. The Taste of Cayman Food and Wine Festival will give residents and visitors the chance to enjoy the best of the island’s cuisine.

More than 30 restaurants will be showcasing their signature dishes, while a wine tasting area will offer wines from 24 vineyards.

Advance tickets priced at $40 are available from supermarkets around the island. Tickets on the gate are $50.

Minister of Health Anthony Eden has said that government are considering exempting cigar bars from proposed smoking legislation. There are several bars in Grand Cayman selling Cuban cigars including the Havana Club Bar at the West Shore Centre.

A discussion White Paper was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Monday that proposes banning smoking in all enclosed and collective public places in the Cayman Islands. This would include bars, restaurants, buses, taxis and parks. Members of the public have 60 days to voice their opinion on the proposals.

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is hosting its annual food and drink festival at the Grand Cayman Beach Resort from May 10 – 13. This year’s Cayman Classic will feature a number of seminars featuring world class chefs Scott Tycer and Cornelius Gallagher.

My Bar at Sunset House has been voted Best in the Caribbean 2006 by readers of Caribbean Travel and Life magazine.

Health Minister Anthony Eden has revealed that legislation to ban smoking in public places is in its final stages. Many hotels and restaurants have recently introduced their own ban. These include the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, Reef Resort, Comfort Suites and the Ritz–Carlton, Westin and Bacchus Restaurant.

Grand Cayman’s annual culinary festival, the Taste of Cayman, will take place on the weekend commencing November 4 at Boatswain’s Beach. Visitors can sample local and international specialities from 40 of the island’s best restaurants at the Taste Restaurant Showcase and watch amateur and professional chefs compete in the Cayman Cook-Off. Tickets cost CI $40 and are available on the door.

Government has slightly relaxed Cayman’s strict alcohol and music regulations and allowed music to be played from 12.01 am to 3 am on New Year’s Eve. This year the celebration falls on a Sunday, when bars and clubs normally shut at midnight and are not permitted to play music. This year they will be allowed to extend their opening hours until 3 am.