ST JAMES, Jamaica — The police have announced changes to the operating hours of businesses in St James, as operations continue under the state of public emergency placed on the parish yesterday.

The lawmen said community recreational areas are to be closed by 6:00 pm, while cook shops, dry goods and haberdasheries are to adhere to a 7:00 pm closing time.

A 9:00pm closing time has been issued for spirit License premises and service stations should close by 10:00 pm.

The latest closing time is for clubs and fast food outlets, which are to shut their doors by 12:00 midnight, the police said.

The lawmen have assured the public that curtailment of activities will be done in accordance with, and with respect to human rights, and encouraged citizens’ full cooperation as they seek to restore public peace and general good order of the society.

It also cautioned the public to be in full adherence of these restrictions and advises that violators will be prosecuted.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday announced a zero tolerance approach to crime and lawlessness in St James and adjoining communities in the wake of the state of emergency.

Figures from the police show that there were some 335 murders committed in St James last year.

Notably, proceeds from lottery scamming activities in the area have funded the large-scale purchase of illegal weapons and ammunition.

This contributed significantly to 253 shooting incidents in the parish, as well as the fact that more than 90 per cent of the murders committed were gun-related. A large percentage of the murders were also gang-related.