WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) has issued a detailed statement addressing growing public and legal concerns about Article 53 of the Licensing Ordinance, which prohibits women and minors from working in hospitality service roles without special written permission. The ministry acknowledged that while the rule remains technically in force, it is no longer enforced — and pledged broader reforms to modernize Curaçao’s outdated permitting system.
No Enforcement of Discriminatory Law
Article 53, originating from a 1963 ordinance and most recently consolidated in 2024, requires explicit ministerial approval for employing women or those under 18 in restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. MEO recognized this requirement as outdated and discriminatory, echoing legal experts and opinion leaders who have called for its immediate repeal.
Although the article remains on the books, MEO emphasized it is no longer applied or actively monitored. When applicants request approval, the reference is only included in official documentation for administrative completeness — not as a condition for operation.
In 2018, a parliamentary faction (MAN) submitted a proposal to repeal the provision. Despite support, the legislation was never formally enacted, leaving the clause technically valid but irrelevant in practice. MEO confirmed it is currently working on a comprehensive revision of the ordinance, including the removal of outdated laws.
Deep Backlog in Permit Processing
Beyond Article 53, MEO highlighted severe structural issues in Curaçao’s licensing process. The current backlog for hospitality permits has ballooned to over seven years, forcing the government to tolerate the operation of numerous unlicensed establishments.
This delay has had serious consequences:
A prolonged tolerance policy for unlicensed hospitality businesses
Limited enforcement and monitoring capacity
Estimated annual losses of 2 million guilders in permit fees
The backlog stems primarily from delayed advisory input — particularly from the Fire Department and Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) — due to chronic understaffing. While the Police Unit of Special Laws is legally required to issue advice within three weeks, no such time limit applies to the Fire Department or GMN, disrupting the balance and progress of permit applications.
New Fast-Track Policy Launched in April
To address these delays, a new uniform advisory timeframe of three weeks was introduced on April 1, 2025. Under the revised procedure, if advice is not received within this timeframe, MEO will proceed with issuing permits based on the information available.
This policy does not override the independent legal authority of other agencies:
The Fire Department remains empowered to grant separate fire safety permits.
The Ministry of GMN still oversees food and beverage sales under separate legislation.
Zoning authorities under the Ministry of Traffic and Urban Planning will now provide clearer information regarding the suitability of buildings for hospitality use.
This multi-agency coordination is part of a broader strategy to:
Eliminate long waiting periods for business operators
End the current tolerance policy
Restore consistent government revenue from fees
Looking Forward: Digital Transformation and Regulatory Reform
MEO stated that the entire Licensing Ordinance is undergoing a comprehensive modernization to bring the system in line with contemporary societal and economic realities. The overhaul aims to make the process more transparent, streamlined, and accessible.
Under the leadership of Minister Ruisandro Middelhof, the ministry has set a 30-working-day deadline to resolve all pending hospitality license requests. Middelhof has made clear that improving service to citizens and businesses is his top priority.
In parallel, the ministry is also developing a new digital licensing system to improve efficiency and accessibility. Digital transformation will be central to ensuring faster and more user-friendly processing for all economic permit applications.
A Modern System for a Modern Curaçao
With these combined efforts — repealing discriminatory clauses, tackling administrative delays, and investing in digital infrastructure — the Ministry of Economic Development says it is laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive economy.
The message is clear: Curaçao is committed to leaving behind outdated laws and building a regulatory environment that reflects equality, efficiency, and progress.
