The business community has been advised by the Ministry of Customs and Revenue (M.C.R.) that the deadline for the renewal of business licenses for the year 2022 has been extended. 

All businesses that have yet to renew their licenses for 2022 have been granted an extension of two weeks until 11 February "without a late payment penalty."

This was announced by the M.C.R. through a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner, Matafeo Avalisa Viali.

"In view of the current State of Emergency (S.O.E.) proclamation and subsequent lockdown extension to Thursday 27th January 2022, we wish to advise all our customers who have yet to renew their respective licenses for 2022, as to operate their business activities for Inland Revenue and Customs purposes, that time extension of two weeks to 11th February 2022 is now granted to renew your license(s) without late payment (renewal) penalty," the Ministry's statement reads. 

"You are again reminded that your 2021 licenses ceased to be valid on the 31 January in every year is always granted to renew the licenses without the late payment penalty.

"Therefore, it is important to ensure that you comply now within the approved extended time period as to avoid the imposition of late penalties and possible revocation of your license. Please kindly note that this is a temporary support measure to accommodate the S.O.E. lockdown period.

"The Ministry will inform the public of any changes pending further advice from the Cabinet on our current S.O.E. situation."

The Government in a statement issued Wednesday said the country's positive COVID-19 cases remains at 26 and there is no community transmission to date.

Members of the public have been urged to continue to observe the S.O.E. lockdown restrictions and any breaches of the law will be penalised.