WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) has stated that its revised approach to issuing hospitality licenses is necessary to clear longstanding backlogs and provide greater clarity for entrepreneurs operating in the hospitality sector.
According to the ministry, the policy adjustment is aimed at improving transparency, strengthening legal certainty, and making the licensing process more efficient, while ensuring that existing safety requirements remain fully in force. However, the General Audit Chamber of Curaçao (Algemene Rekenkamer Curaçao, ARC) has raised concerns, concluding that the current hospitality licensing process remains insufficiently effective.
The ARC argues that the revised policy does not guarantee the safety of staff and visitors, as positive assessments from key authorities such as the Fire Department and the Ministry of Health are often missing. In response, MEO points out that these assessments have been structurally absent for years, which is why the ministry decided to end the long-standing tolerance policy (gedoogbeleid).
MEO further emphasized that responsibility for safety and hygiene permits lies legally with other government bodies and that the hospitality license issued by MEO does not replace those permits. The ministry stated that its license nonetheless provides an important instrument for supervision and enforcement.
Meanwhile, the General Audit Chamber has advised the government to reconsider the policy and, together with all relevant stakeholders, develop a workable and legally consistent licensing system. The ARC also recommended reducing administrative burdens and involving Prime Minister Gilmar “Pik” Pisas (MFK) in the process to ensure broader coordination and accountability.