The government of St Kitts and Nevis has issued formal notice requiring operators of three bars at South Friar’s Bay to relocate by midnight on 7 April 2026.

The businesses affected are The Godfather Bar, The Discovery Bar and The Shipwreck Bar & Grill, according to a government statement released Saturday.

Officials said the operators were first notified on 10 November 2025 that the area they occupy forms part of land required for a tourism development project and that their operations could not continue on Crown land or private property without permission.

The government said it has since identified alternative locations where the operators could relocate their businesses legally, including sites along the Frigate Bay Strip and at Cockleshell Bay.

Meetings and site visits were also arranged, according to the statement.

However, officials said the operators have not inspected the proposed sites or finalised relocation arrangements.

The bars were allowed to continue operating through much of the 2025–2026 tourism season to minimise disruption and allow time for relocation, the government said.

Property owners are now preparing to begin earthworks for development in the area.

As part of the first phase of work, developers will construct a permanent public access road to South Friar’s Bay Beach.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming days.

The existing dirt access road to the beach will close on 8 April 2026.

Officials said the establishments will be removed if they remain after the 7 April deadline so that construction can proceed.

The government said assistance with relocation remains available and encouraged operators to contact the Ministry of Tourism to arrange visits to the alternative sites.