MP Admits Swizzle Website Was “Ill Advised”

July 30, 2013

[Updated] Following a complaint made about a Swizzle-themed e-commerce website run by Shadow Minister David Burt, the Opposition MP has admitted that the website may have been “ill advised.”

The website, which is no longer active, was www.swizzle.bm, and offered what appeared to be purchasable versions of the popular Bermudian rum swizzle drink in various sizes, starting from $14.

Update: Screenshot from a cached version of the site showing the header/name:

swizzle

Mr Burt said, “My family, like many Bermudian families, has been making swizzle for years. It is a tradition that I learned from my father, and it is a tradition that I share with my colleagues and friends, especially during the Bermuda Day and Cup Match festivities.

“It has come to my attention that a complaint has been made to the Director Public Prosecutions office to the effect that I made a small website regarding my family’s traditional swizzle.

“Rather than shy away and make excuses, I would like to acknowledge that this has occurred, and explain I acted in good faith, although in hindsight I realise it may have been ill advised.

“Rum Swizzle may be a distinctly Bermudian part of our holiday season, however I should have thought my actions through more carefully. Given the distinct political and legal implications of this development it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further about this matter.

“In the spirit of the holiday, I delivered a bottle of swizzle to the Premier and his Cabinet today during their meeting. I hope they enjoyed it, and I hope that all of Bermuda has a safe and enjoyable Cup Match holiday,” concluded Mr Burt.

Update #1: A cached version of swizzle.bm is accessible here, showing five “new products” for July, with swizzle starting at $14.00 for a frozen 750ml size. Click here to view the cached page, which shows the website as it was, minus images.

Update #2: A police spokesperson said, “Police are aware of the matter and inquiries have commenced.”

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  1. Where ya been says:

    OBA can’t be serious right now.

    Jaywalkers watch out!

    At least Burt didn’t key a car.

    • Truth (Original) says:

      Where does it mention that the OBA made the complaint? Did I miss something?

      • Where ya been says:

        OBA are the government. who else would complain!

        • E$ says:

          could be his neighbors or somebody. jeez always blame the oba. lay down already

          • Mazubo says:

            jeez always blame the oba. are you serious so nobody is gonna blame PLP, that’s scary.

            • navin johnson says:

              perhaps Gosling’s complained…stealing their trademark is serious…..now maybe Burt will shut up…..its Swizzlegate I tell you..Swizzlegate….

              • Black Soil says:

                Being a bootlegger was “ill advised”? Do better than that cousin…

        • The bigger picture says:

          “OBA are the government. who else would complain!”

          Liquor distributors perhaps?

          I think the Government has 750 million more important things to think about to be honest.

          • Zombie Apocalypse says:

            Who might complain. Let’s see…

            The licensing authorities? The police and law enforcement? Liquor retailers who are legal and licenced? Consumers who are being sold alcohol illegally? Manufacturers of alcoholic products who make and sell their products legally?

    • Tina says:

      Hey someone hack my facebook account using my own computer, in my bedroom, while I was home. I need a good lawyer. Any recommendations which firm I should seek legal advice from?

    • Out of flight says:

      Swizzlegate
      Burt Swizzlegate
      Got-to-make-money-gate
      I-ain’t got a fat check-anymore gate
      Dumb-gate
      Drunk-and-incapable-gate
      I better-stop-throwing stones-gate
      Where is-Paula-Gate, the one who lost the election on purpose and now look what is happening. Former members are enjoying Burt-gate cocktails with a twist of Paula lemon.

  2. Trumpety Trump says:

    A member of the opposition who is able to apologize and actually be a bit humble.

    Mr Burt, my hearty congratulations. Everyone of your party members could learn from you.

    Pigs are flying tonight!!!

    If PLP is to EVER get back in – it will be under you my friend!

    • Hey says:

      Selling alcohol without a licence…..is that what this is about…….hmmmmmmmm…if so , not so innocent.

      • Tiger Lily says:

        There are quite a number of people who make and sell swizzle, sangria and the like. I don’t think they are making that much of a dent in sales to places like Goslings that also benefit from selling the supplies like bottles, sealers, rum, etc. I wanted swizzle some months ago and was given names of people who make and sell it. These people included young and old, black and white, Bermudians and non-Bermudians. Finally, the best swizzle I have bought was from a staunch OBA Member. Let’s get on with some real work and boost small businesses instead of killing them.

        • Sandy Bottom says:

          All those people, young and old, black and white, staunch oba members, staunch plp members, were breaking the law if they sell alcohol without a licence. With Burt it’s worse, because he is one of the people we are supposed to trust to make the laws the rest of us have to follow. He was the junior finance minister, and is the shadow finance minister, yet here he is blatantly breaking the law, a law that everyone else has to follow.

          The same penalties should apply to him. $1,000 fine, and six months prison.

  3. Real Talk (original) says:

    Think it’s pretty sad that something as innocent as selling rum swizzle has been politicized…

    • Clive Spate says:

      Alcohol is a drug and there are strict laws regarding the production and sale of. Also they were pictured in various containers (Goslings etc.). Hardly innocent.

      The point is that somebody in his position should know better and if he doesn’t he shouldn’t be in that position.

      He has apologized and been very open about it which is commendable.

      If it were an OBA member I have no doubt the PLP would be demanding a resignation.

  4. JAWS says:

    hmmm the party I voted for can’t be serious! Is the beautiful island I love gone that far back in the stone ages. This why I love being out with my friends and family on de boat.

    • Really says:

      Where does it say OBA. People stop politicizing this and assuming! Not of fan of Mr. Burt but I got to say, this sounds crazy. Mr. Burt upload your website and be proud of your swizzle!

      I find it crazy that we can have a website dedicated to sex toys and gambling but not for a simple swizzle. Please Bernews, find out who was behind the complaint and get more details on this story. There must be more to this story.

      • Scott says:

        This isn’t a “website about swizzle”.. its a website selling liquor without a license and food product (yes juice has food safety regulations) improperly.

        What regulations does this site breach? If it was as simple as “just selling booze” then why doesn’t everyone just go around doing it?

        • Where ya been says:

          Its swizzle dummy. Everyone makes it!

          sheesh, you act like dude was in his yard brewing rum and selling it. Swizzle!

          • Zombie Apocalypse says:

            Everyone makes it. Not illegal.

            But not everyone sells it by the gallon on a website. That’s illegal. Criminal, illegal, and stupid.

            • Barracuda says:

              You can’t explain to people who will never get it, its better to just go outside and enjoy the day.

          • Scott says:

            I make sandwiches and steaks too at home, but I need a license to sell them to people. Its called regulation for a reason.

            • Tiger Lily says:

              And if enough of your friends and family and their friends tell you that you should sell it you will be told that you can’t because you need to own a restaurant. Bermuda laws just stiffles small business.

      • Zombie Apocalypse says:

        Is selling illegal alcohol one the PLP’s “ideas” for raising tax money?

        Oh no, can’t be. This is illegal, untaxed, grey economy, illicit, and criminal. And it’s allegedly being done by the shadow Finance Minister.

        Hilarious.

      • Tiger Lily says:

        The media politicises everything! Once the title says PLP, you open the gates for any OBA or former political entity to be included, mentioned or compared!

  5. Trumpety Trump says:

    Actually he didn’t apologize – but his act of regret is a start. A new day for PLP who famously never apologized for anything during their 14 years of complete and utter devastation for Bermuda.

    • REALLY!!!! says:

      At least he didn’t dismiss us with “we’re not talking about it anymore”

  6. freeupdeherb says:

    SWIZZLEGATE!

    • Share.next.time says:

      Long as swizzlegate doesn’t mess up Cup Match it’s all good.

  7. Wow says:

    What the heck?! Everyone makes and sells swizzle at cup match! This is some nonsense.

    • navin johnson says:

      do they sell them in Gosling’s bottles?..Marc Bean should fire him….

  8. Balanced Facts says:

    It is a criminal offence to sell liquor without a license! “No one is above the law!” Is that not what the PLP were singing about a couple of weeks back! Jet Gate re: follow the rules ??? SAGE, follow the rules??? Beware of Greeks bering gifts Cabinet! Bet they sent it for analysis instead of drinking it! BURT THE POSSIBLE BOOTLEGGER!

    • Where ya been says:

      You have a point, at least he apologised. What did your people do with Jetgate… WE DID NOTHING WRONG..

      Also, one of your OBA MPs was doing far worse… silence.

      I agree with someone else, pigs may fly tonight.

    • J Starling says:

      Ah, if the site was selling liqour, then yeah, got a point there. If that’s the case it wasn’t clear from the statement in the article above.

      • O'Brien says:

        I take it, Comrade Starling, that you’ve never had a rum swizzle….

  9. Linda Franks says:

    Bernews,

    I would appreciate a more descriptive account of the actual complaint! Is the complainant voicing his displeasure with the use of the phrase “rum swizzle” or was he upset that alcohol is being sold online? Your readers would better understand the issue if this was clarified!

    BTW, doesn’t a certain retailer sell liquor products online already?

    • Bernews says:

      The nature of the complaint was not specified, and the DPP’s office generally doesn’t publicly comment on complaints placed against people.

      The second line says the site offered it, which we believe was the nature of the complaint, not the use of the name as such.

    • Pastor Syl says:

      Liquor retailers already have a license to sell alcohol. It seems Mr. Burt did not.

  10. Tramsparency for Real!! says:

    Keep pushing on David, I thought is was a brilliant idea for a business. Just sort it out, and get it going again. Brilliant young man !!

    • jt says:

      “brilliant” is a lightly used term these days.

    • Zombie Apocalypse says:

      But I thought no one is supposed to be above the law.

      What he was doing is illegal. Completely, totally, unmistakably illegal.

  11. Tramsparency for Real!! says:

    Trumpety Trump you must be a great fan of that brilliant writer by the name of Betty Trump. She writes some good stuff and makes a lot of strong points.

  12. Looking for Leadership says:

    How is this a story

    People are getting laid off and the OBA are trying to complain about a swizzle hustle…. sers? May aswell send half of bermuda down westgate.

    OBA, people need jobs! Stop spending time worrying about petty stuff like this and start working on your 2000 jobs!

    • E$ says:

      IT WASN’T THE OBA SMH. good sheeple never question i guess, only assume

      • Time Shall Tell says:

        The information given thus far doesn’t mention the name or organization who lodged the complaint. So Looking for Leadership unless you know something we don’t you shouldn’t lay blame without the facts & E$ the same goes for you making such statements without the facts. All we know that SOMEONE lodged a complaint & that is all, until this person or organization is named everyone should stop with the assumptions.

  13. S Smith says:

    Burts swizzle is on point. Why oba trying to mess up cup match. What next, noise violations for air horns?

    Cannonier calm down dun, it’s cup match!

  14. Been Watching says:

    The whole ethos of the Cup Match period is that of busting out and good-naturedly breaking the rules in celebration of Emancipation.

    In 1835 newly freed slaves broke the rules and simply didn’t turn up for work. Fast forward to the 20th Century and Bermudians kept breaking the rules by going camping all the place … set up gambling stands and gambled … stock-piled booze and drank in public places …

    These were the real celebrations. It took the ‘establishment’ 112 years before they granted a holiday. They only ‘legalized’ the gambling about thirty years ago. They ‘allowed’ widespread camping about forty years ago.

    Now they want to ban making and selling Cup Match swizzle?

    After 178 years, today’s new ‘establishment’ is still stuck on stupid?

    I need some Cup Match swizzle.

    • Joey-Bag-O'doughnuts says:

      Me too.

    • Clive Spate says:

      So you know for a fact it was Govt. complaining?

      I agree that some laws need to be challenged but bootleg liquor can be dangerous. You can make your own Swizzle or buy it from people who have obtained a license to sell it.

      Wherever you end up getting your Swizzle from enjoy it and don’t spill any!!

  15. Robert says:

    Smh !!!

  16. Robert says:

    “Sir Hemp” stay away from my swizzle !!!

  17. Pastor Syl says:

    Some one please tell me where people got tbe idea that the OBA or a member of the OBA made tbe complaint. It certainly didn’t say that or even hint that in the article. More likely some jealous person who was upset they didn’t think of the idea first … you know how we crabs are.
    Meanwhile Mr. Burt we may not always agree but your words and reaction raise you some higher in my esteem tonight.

    • Robert says:

      Praise from ceasar is praise indeed !!

    • Scott says:

      you’ll never hear. They WANT it to be the OBA that complained, and so it always will be the OBA that is trying to ruin cup match.

      At the end of the say, selling booze nad food without licenses is illegal.. and as such he should be prosecuted just like any other violator. This is a serious offense.

  18. Time Shall Tell says:

    Prohibition in full effect…..

  19. Joey-Bag-O'doughnuts says:

    So, let me see if I understand. If a man owns a liquor store and sells liquor and cigarettes he cannot run for office. A legitimate business? So what if this person is proud of his swizzle recipe and is willing to share, at a cost his good swizzle. This is stupidity to the fullest extent of stupid.

  20. Balanced Facts says:

    I don’t really care BUT, Lets all pretend it was an OBA MP that was Bootlegging unlicensed liquor!
    PLP reaction” Its Cup Match, Tradition, all fine and good!” OR
    Or “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW! RESIGN! APOLOGIZE! ITS DARK ART POTION MIX! JOKERS! DONT YOU KNOW THE LAW! ITS JUST LIKE JET GATE!! IRRESPONSIBLE!” ITS LIKE JET GATE AGAIN….bet they had swizzle on the plane!
    Tell the truth, just one fricking time…PLP Swizzle Drinkers would have had fit!!!!

  21. BOOTLEGGER says:

    HHmmmm….Did Bernews discover this or did PLP get out in front of it and David Burt gave them one of his spinning statements? Was he selling Liquor on line without a license? Did he have a health certificate? (if needed) The statement indicates DPP involved…whats the rest of the story???? Some criminal offense ???

  22. Swizzle in... says:

    Burt is one character…must be more to this than reported here! If Cabinet drank it they must be in sh@t too…nice move Burt…keep feeding the PLP and the OBA your Swizzle!

  23. Betty Drunk says:

    I AM DINKING DIVADS SIZZLE…IS NISHE…VE ALL DINK IT…IF DIVID MAKS IT THEN VE JUST DINK IT UP… HIC…GO SOMERSHALT…! STIND STRUNG PLP FIMLY…HIC…STOP PICKING ON DIVID UBO…YOU DANK THE SIZZLE TOO!!!

    • Seriously.... says:

      you do realise that you posted 4 different comments under different names, but it caught your IP Address. Check the smiley face…..

      Balanced Facts
      BOOTLEGGER
      Swizzle in…
      Betty Drunk

      • Concerned Citizen says:

        An OBA MP who is afraid of Burt, but not bright enough to understand bernews blogging!

        • Double Standards says:

          Afraid of Burt?

          So PLPers should be able to act above the law with impunity?

          Nevermind. Par for the course really.

    • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

      Betty Dunk, you must be another big fan of Betty Trump, she writes some powerful stuff on Rg. Guess you love her so much that you choose a similar name…. well done Betty Trump, I see your got some folks that love you so much they use a name like yours.

      Burt one of the best swizzle in Bermuda, keep going…. one of the best to drink of Cup Match. Keep pushing out…great stuff to drink for Cup Match.

      • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

        Thanks Seriously..Betty Dumb has posted several comments using a different name !!

        Really a joke Dumb.

        But let me give you a good recommendation, go get some of that great swizzle from Burt. Your cabinet enjoyed some yesterday, I think a little would help you wake up more !! Enjoy Cup Match..

        • Clive Spate says:

          Have you really just replied to yourself?

  24. RawOnion says:

    Are you all stupid or what? Anyone or any establishment that wants to sell alcohol (of which rum swizzle is) needs a liquor license. Whats so hard about understanding that? Burt should know better. Just because it’s an online website doesn’t negate the law.

    And where does OBA come in to play in all this?? This law has been around for donkey’s years. Try to throw a party and sell liquor and see what happens. I remember someone having a house party some years ago and the were selling the liquor at the bar. The police came and shut them down.

    The law is the law people, lets abide by it.

  25. Cha, if they gonna be chargin people for sellin swizzle in Bermuda they best get a new court room built

    • POLICE STATE says:

      EXACTLY. THE DUMB STUFF IN THIS COUNTRY!

  26. Seriously.... says:

    Government must want problems

    DON’T MESS WITH MY LIQUOR ON CUP MATCH!!!!

  27. Denni says:

    Maybe the complaint came from a certain liquor maker. Since no health or liquor license was sought, I doubt permission was sought or given to use the Goslings brand or images which appeared on the Minister’s site…. Goslings market & sell their own swizzle- why would they allow someone else to brand & market a competing product…. using the Gosling brand!!!

  28. POLICE STATE says:

    Warning: All cars to be checked coming across the causeway for illegal swizzle.

    Using stop and search powers, we will stop you if you have swizzle and ask where you got it from! If you can’t prove you made it in your kitchen go to jail.

    Welcome to 2013!

  29. Betty Drunk says:

    UTS A STOM IN A SIZZLE CUP! HIC
    BUT I SHINK YOU NEED A LISHENCE TO SALE THE LICKER…burp! THATS DE PINT!

  30. John E. Thorne says:

    This explains the behaviour in the house last week. Certain MP’s must have been drinking his swizzle in the coffee room?

  31. Mike Hunt says:

    http://www.swizzle.bm may be no longer active, but http://web.archive.org/web/20130719095219/http://swizzle.bm remains online

    Don’t get too excited though – it’s just a website selling swizzle.

  32. Trumpety Trump says:

    Congratulations to Mr Burt who, as PLP member, has actually taken responsibility for his actions.

    THAT’s A FIRST for PLP!!!

    Perhaps the future is bright after all.

    One of the biggest problems PLP ever had was their complete inability to apologize.

    Oh, and the race card thing too.

    Mr Burt, I sincerely hope you are part of the new, more mature and responsible PLP.

    I also look forward to trying your swizzle at some point.

    • BOOTLEGGER says:

      Mature? If my 18 year old did this I would think it showed a bit of promise as an entrepreneur ! Burt is not a teenager, he would lay claim to the Finance Ministry of the Country! He should have apologized for misleading the public on the Court House fiasco when the A-G clearly showed him up on Friday, instead he continued to mislead. He had no option to apologize on this one cause he may be prosecuted for it! “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW” cries the PLP over SAGE GATE…unless it’s us doing it!

  33. Union member says:

    Desperate PLP tactics,will do anything for money!

  34. Sandy Bottom says:

    Where is Vote For Me? Two days ago he was critical of the – ahem- “government supporters who benifit in the millions made in the supply of alcohol”, in a post where he was pointing out the dangers of selling and consuming alcohol. I’d imagine Vote For Me must be disgusted with Burt.

  35. Truth says:

    For all those who can’t see or don’t wish to see, the complaint was clearly politically motivated.

    A member of the current government allegedly made the complaint to the DPP’s office to try and smear Mr. Burt – plain and simple.

    It is clearly very petty in nature and ill advised during this festive season – making swizzle is a true Bermudian tradition.

    I am waiting to see if the OBA coward will finally identify themselves or simply hide behind lies and misdirecting statements like others.

    Time will reveal.

    Truth

    • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

      OBA played the silly card of the Swizzle conspiracy, it will now work in Burt’s favour as he gets his business in order, the free politicly will help make his sales sword. Well done Burt…Best Swizzle in Bermuda.

      Swizzle an old Bermuda tradition. Lets it go OBA, and did the Minister enjoy the bottle delivered to them. Nice stuff… Premier aha

    • Bermyman says:

      If you sell alcohol to the public you have to have a license. If you produce a food or beverage product for sale it has to be cleared by health and safety. If you sell your product using the branded label of another company then you are in big trouble.

    • Clive Spate says:

      The truth is an opposition MP allegedly broke quite a few laws.

      Another truth is he has apologized.

      To call somebody a coward for complaining about the law being broken begins to explain why many crimes here remain unsolved.

      One final truth is that you stated “a member of the current govt ALLEGEDLY made the complaint”. Do you care to elaborate with any facts??

      • The Truth says:

        No – I do not.

        I can call someone a coward when I know they had an opportunity to confront MP Burt and point out his mistake but they chose to rat him out for political points – - that’s a coward, period.

        I enjoy being able to live freely in my country and we all know that if I provide the facts openly here, the current government (as they are a newer version of the UBP guard) will make my life unbearable and difficult.

        However, I leave you with this:

        Ever notice how those situations involving OBA members are washed away from the press fairly quickly?

        I wonder who…. to the young lady involved in the situtaion with MP Davis-Outerbridge to….?

        I wonder . . .

        The Truth will always come to light.

        • Clive Spate says:

          I genuinely feel for you if you think your life would be made more difficult if you provided facts rather than rumor. This suggests you are not enjoying to live as freely as you should be able to.

          As for ratting him out he’s hardly Tony Soprano!

          It’s the idea of being a rat that is a hindrance to Police worldwide in tackling serious crime and it doesn’t help when decent people like yourself trivialize it on blogs.

          Enjoy your holiday!!

          • The Truth says:

            My comments in no way make fun of the situation – that is your interpretation.

            “Hindrance to Police worldwide in tackling serious crime” – really? A Bermudian making swizzle for family and friends for years decides to make a profit one year and this is a SERIOUS CRIME? Really?

            I will make myself perfectly clear so you can understand my position – -

            I know who made the complaint – - that person had opportunity to point out to MP Burt that they felt he was in the wrong/guilt of an offence/whatever – - THEY DID NOT DO THAT – THEY DECIDED TO TRY TO GAIN POLITICAL POINTS on something trivial – and that’s where my problem lies.

            People are acting like MP Burt is the only person on this island that is selling or has sold swizzle in this matter – - I can count off at least 12 others who are doing the same as this post is being read – - so what’s the real issue? Are you calling the Police on those individuals as they are known to many?? NO – YOU AREN’T.

            That’s where the problem lies – - this is about the OBA – - don’t let it fool you – -

            • Clive Spate says:

              Like I said before, I feel sorry for you!

              • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

                @Clive Spate, you need to feel sorry for yourself. ‘The Truth’ has spoken volumes and has made some key points. It was an OBA political move on the chess board, but it is not having the expected level of outcomes as they expected. It has backfired on the OBA, stop with the political ploys and nonsense of the OBA.

                Now, Go get a Swizzle and put on red and blue and enjoy the game. Get off your duty trip doing the work of the OBA. The OBA did not win this one, but merely look silly like their Minister Mr Moniz cleaning up his own Mess, that he created way back as the UBP.

      • Verbal Kint says:

        Bingo on all points.

    • Barracuda says:

      allegedly

    • bun out says:

      Um you’re wrong, it might have been Goslings. Burt put them in Goslings bottles so why wouldn’t they complain. Lay down, we know you hate the OBA but it weren’t them this time. Truth, more like bull$*** and lies!

      • The Truth says:

        When I say I know something – - it isn’t a bluff, idiot.

        Truth

      • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

        GOOD USE OF RE-CYCLE BOTTLES>>>GREAT IDEA BURT>>NOW LET ME GET SOME OF THAT GREAT BURT SWIZZLE>… eat your hearts out OBA

    • Mike Hind says:

      Evidence?

  36. Jim Bean says:

    Consider the bottles that the swizzle was in

  37. A Dingo says:

    So, reading between the lines here, it appears that Mr. Burt was selling liquor without a licence, which is a criminal offence. I am staggered that he didn’t know that he needed a licence.

  38. Betty Drunk says:

    This is the Guy that would lay claim to being the Country’s Finance Minister! This is all Mickey Mouse reflects a tendency of someone who is prepared to break the law to make money, a concern that has been raised about PLP conduct over 14 years. Its the deliberate flouting of the law law, or the lack of though in not checking it first that should cause the most concern. Clearly, for all of his talking skills the guy lacks substance. Could we really afford Burt’s Bliss Swizzle CEO as our Finance Minister? If he was 15 it would show economic promise!

  39. BOOTLEGGER says:

    Check the full story! This was a commercial enterprise for profit, well organized and going on for some time WITHOUT A LICENCE…the authorities seem to be taking it seriously ! Burt defends it as a “family tradition” but in really it is a rip off using Goslings Bottles (not sure if that part is Criminal but bet they sue him for it!) The Liquor Licensing Act makes the sale of liquor without a licence a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. It was a little more than “ill advised Mr. Burt”, it was down right dopey or worse a deliberate breaking of the law that you and your Swizzle Drinking friends would be crying “no one is above the law!” I agree…includes you as well right? People dont just watch the Government MP’s, they are going to watch the Opposition that would try and convince us that they should be in Government because they would do things better! This does not sell well for you Mr. Bliss!

    • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

      “In the spirit of the holiday, I delivered a bottle of swizzle to the Premier and his Cabinet today during their meeting. I hope they enjoyed it, and I hope that all of Bermuda has a safe and enjoyable Cup Match holiday,” concluded Mr Burt. Well done Burt

      Keep making the swizzle it is one of Bermuda’s best. Governments need to stop preventing small business man from growing a profit. This is merely nonsense, as many Bermudians sell swizzle, particularly during the Cup Match times. Lets all get a taste, it is out of this world. Stop with the nonsense and silliness.

      OBA just played a silly card, their swizzle conspiracy did nothing but give Burt a higher sale percentage, ones he gets the business up and running again. Thanks for the free advertisement…. get it done Burt and you will be real successful. Everyone wants SWIZZLE…. LETS DRINK FOR CUP MATCH..

      • Zombie Apocalypse says:

        If he’s selling alcohol illegally, that is a criminal offence.

        As we were told repeatedly just a couple of days ago, alcohol is a drug. He was allegedly illegally selling a drug. That’s not a “small business”. That’s just plain illegal activity.

      • Clive Spate says:

        If the small businessman wants to run a business then do it legally.

        The fact that somebody in his position didn’t is astonishing.

  40. bermerican says:

    a litre for 18 dollars? this certainly doesn’t seem like a huge money making venture. wish i knew about this before the site was shut down

  41. swing voter says:

    jus like the PLP attacks, I would laugh off an OBA attack (if the choose to make an issue of it)….I getting a vision of Burt speeding down to st. george running moon-shine in his dad’s old suped up Morris Minor LOLOLOL

  42. Joonya says:

    Holding a friend’s cigarette pack with a spliff in it and now bootleg swizzle… deez bies know how to party!

  43. Malachi says:

    I often tease my wife by telling her that the only exercise she gets is “RUNNING” her mouth; “PUSHING” her luck; and “JUMPING” to conclusions.

    We seem to have quite a “FIT” bunch of bloggers here, with “RUNNING” and “JUMPING” being the more prolific exercises.

    I believe my level of reading comprehension is fairly good, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how the OBA is somehow implicated!

    Even if someone within the OBA did complain, they would have been quite right to do so.

    I can only the imagine the uproar if the shoe was on the other foot!

    It should also be noted that Mr. Burt, in retrospect, decided that it was NOT a good idea.

  44. Bermyman says:

    The former shadow finance minister makes an ill advised business decision!? And we wonder why our economy is in the state it is in.

  45. Tired says:

    The sad part about all this is if it was someone from the OBA you plp people would be ranting and raving. In his position, he should have crossed all his T’s and dotted all his I’s before any venture. He must know all this.

  46. Navin R. Johnson says:

    I see no “Apology”. I see “I’ll advised”. “Email me a list of questions…..family recipe ….nothing but excuses …….it a conspiracy..it’s all about transparency…..and all of the other junk he would spew if the shoe was on the other foot,

  47. Ride says:

    Bernews,

    Here is a more complete view of the site with pictures.

    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.swizzle.bm/

    Ride

    PS: Always use Google for web services. They’re just, better.

  48. sam says:

    Website or word of mouth. WTF is the difference if he is selling swizzle. ALL Bermudians who make good swizzle sell it. Maybe b/c the guy was actually making money ppl want to hate. So selling alcohol w/o a license is BS. It’s the damn holiday for crying out loud, enjoy the festives.

    You have all these comments under this article, but when Nandi an MP is writing all this crazyness on ppls pages, OBA members don’t say sh!t. You OBA ppl are funny. Quick to jump on anything PLP do but OBA can tell you if you vote for us, you all will have a job tomorrow and you all vote for them, and still don’t have a job. Wake up Bermuda!

    • Malachi says:

      I think you missed one important point – it’s illegal!

      ..or are you one of those who don’t believe in rules and regulations.

    • Sorry Sir says:

      You may not know this, but even selling alcohol to a friend or family member is illegal.

      Just to let you know.

      • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

        @ Sorry Sir and OBA followers……Well that would include most of Bermuda to be locked up and the keys to be thrown away, been going on in Bermuda for YEARS….. stop the nonsense OBA fans, its done…NOW go and make sure you taste the best swizzle in Bermuda…ENJOY IT OVER CUP-MATCH..your MPs did, as Burt deliver a bottle to them..drink to such good swizzle…ahaha

        • Sandy Bottom says:

          What crap you talk. He was allegedly selling 5 gallon jugs of it for $250. He was selling frozen drinks for $14. Gallon jugs at $60. On a website. This was a business. Blatntly illegally selling hard alcohol. What an utter joke. And, of course, the PLP Muppets go to the ends of the earth to try to defend it. Or, like Vote For Me, they skulk in a corner and avoid saying anything at all.

  49. d.o. says:

    what a waste of time, effort and brain cells by a bunch of self righteous persons. Please tell me there is nothing more important going on in Bda.

    • d.o. says:

      Like Misick could implicate others to save his a**. as reported in other media. Sing like a song bird Misick.

  50. The more I see the less I know says:

    This is a matter of law and health and saftey regulations. Any one that wishes to mass produce a food and or beverage with the intent on selling their goods must comply with the current regualations and obtain a license. Politicizing the issue does create fun debate and banter, but at the end of the day there is no need to blur the lines with this one.

  51. The REAL Facts says:

    1. His swizzle is not that great. My granny makes better swizzle.

    2. The OBA had nothing to do with complaining, why would he give them a bottle if they complained?

    3. The real complaints game may have come from oslingsG. Maybe he shouldn’t have put them in a Goslings bottle.

    4. All you PLP diehards, get a life and stop trying to throw everything on the OBA, you lot are pathetic!

    5. Enjoy cupmatch. BLUE AND BLUE ALL DAY!

    • The Truth says:

      Let’s breakdown your points:

      1. This is not a fact – it is your opinion as I believe my uncle’s is better.

      2. An OBA member did make the complaint (FACT) and only Mr. Burt can answer why he gave them a bottle – perhaps he loves Cup Match and wanted to share that love?

      3. See point #2.

      4. Again, see point #2.

      5. I agree – enjoy Cup Match (Somerset will retain the cup) – - BUT when you know the truth, you know.

    • Sorry Sir says:

      Number 2: Lobbying

    • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

      @REAL FACTS ALL WRONG AND TWISTED>

      GO ENJOY YOUR CUP-MATCH AND STOP WITH YOUR FOOLISH OBA RHETORIC> REALLY THIS IS NOT ALL THAT SERIOUS>

      EVERYONE SELLS SWIZZLE< been going on in Bermuda for years.. but no one said anything. Many also use the Gosling bottle. Great idea for re-cylce use of bottles in Bermuda, too many are wasted. Bermuda has too much trash anyway, we did do do more recycling. Go enjoy the swizzle, everyone likes it…. and others as well like it…

      • Sandy Bottom says:

        So how many other people set up a business with a website to sell rum swizzle by the gallon? He’s been doing it for months. Alledgedly. He’s the shadow minister for finance. And an absolute frikkin idiot.

  52. Joonya says:

    Selling alcohol without a license is illegal. Period!
    He must have thought his crew still had control of the Island and our finances where it was “acceptable” to bend the rules..

  53. Expat who is leaving says:

    Pretty Funny.

    Perhaps Burt’s business card should be “shadow minister of finance and chief bootlegger”

    hey pretty entrepreneurial but a tad dodgy…

  54. bermudian says:

    smh its swizzle!! Its every bermudians birth right to make it and sell it

    • Verbal Kint says:

      No it’s not.

    • Sandy Bottom says:

      And if you sell it without a licence it’s your birthright to get a six month prison sentence.

  55. North West says:

    Not cool. Nowadays you need a license to sell just about anything, whether it’s fish, baked goods, or any type of food. People do things until they get caught mostly or are legally advised. For example look at the many DJ’s who sell home recorded CD’s! This is illegal as well. But many folks take these things for granted.

  56. 32n64 says:

    So we have a current MP (who is responsible for passing the very same laws the rest of us are expected to follow) and former deputy finance minister allegedly:

    1. Selling alcohol without a license
    2. Registering a Bermuda domain name for the purpose of conducting illegal activity
    3. Using a copyright image and even the bottles of a long standing Bermudian owned company to package his product
    4. Selling food products without a license

    … and the PLP talking heads see nothing wrong with this. Their hypocrisy is simply amazing. No wonder our economy is in the toilet – the PLP don’t know right from wrong, illegal from legal or ethical from unethical.

  57. Bermuda Boy says:

    If it is not a problem why did he pull the plug so fast? There is nothing wrong with trying to make money with a small or side business but doing it by copying a companies products/branding, etc. simply shows the qualities of the person. Once again, why pull the plug if it is an innocent thing?

  58. js says:

    Under section 2 of the Liquor Licensing Act 1974 excepted as permitted by the Act and in accordance with a license granted it shall not be lawful to sell any intoxicating liquor by retail or wholesale in Bermuda.

    Any person who contravenes this provision is subject to punishment on summary conviction for imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of $1,000.

    Expect Mr. Burt to plead guilty to the offence and for the magistrate to impose a $1,000 fine.

    On the other hand Goslings as owners of the black seal trademark used by Mr. Burt in his venture will probably commence civil legal proceedings against him for infringement of their registered trademark seeking damages for financial loss.

    It wouldn’t be a political motivation just a business one which would be nothing less than Mr. Burt deserves for being a naïve business person.

    Nothing here is worth submitting over 100 points of discussion. Clearly time for folks to move on and focus on some real issues facing the island.

    • Watching On says:

      My only question is, how was he able to register http://www.swizzle.bm? Don’t you need Government permission to register .bm websites?

      • 1minute says:

        Yes you register you site with Government but they do not regulate what is on it… Also when did he register it? This year or last?
        If it was my site, I would be sitting down at the Police station waiting for someone to bail me out…

        • Onlooker says:

          He has to of had a registered company with the Bermuda Registrar to of obtained a .bm domain name!!

    • Tramsparency for Real!! says:

      Burt can pay the fine, MATTER OVER, set up and register his businesses and move on and become one of Bermuda’s best Swizzle sellers of all time.. Great step forward Burt.

      Burt you have done it. Great movement forward towards starting another business. Well done, thanks to the OBA for this free advertisement on the matter, now folks know who makes the best swizzle in Bermuda and where to buy it next time around. Be sure to get a taste this year for Cup Match…great stuff….

      What a great step Burt, I know you can design a great label for your bottles, no big deal there…easy step…..watch out folks BURT WILL BE BACK IN BIG STYLE SELLING HIS FAMOUS FAMILY SWIZZLE>>>PUT YOUR ORDERS IN NOW>..

      CASE CLOSED….

      • Sandy Bottom says:

        Oh really? Is he finally going to get a liquor licence then? I guess it could happen, once he’s served his sentence.

      • Sandy Bottom says:

        Six months prison. That’s what the shadow minister is looking at.

  59. gatsby says:

    Can you imagine seeing Hillary Clinton selling bootleg alcohol? I’m sure Burt was getting paid more than her and this is what he needs to do to earn a bit of extra $$? Bermuda truly is another world… Money can’t buy class

  60. swing voter says:

    I jus checked out

    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/searchq=cache:http://www.swizzle.bm/

    Yup I admire the Burt syndicate business empire but they clearly crossed the line using the Gosling copyright material….hate to admit but it would have taken a legal letter from Goslings to turn this around had it happened last year cuz if you were ‘in’ you had your way with anything. No different from the big ‘bad’ ole UBP ….how does it feel to be compared to that lot Messers Burt? another example of UBP behavior, only difference is that the trickle down worked back then….wen I cud afford goslings, barritts, and Burrows Lightborne. Now I’m having hell to keep up my morgage

  61. Sorry Sir says:

    Selling liquor without a proper labeling of the percentage of alcohol it contains?

    Yea, nothing illegal about that. Must be a OBA conspiracy. Pa-lease people. Get a life.

  62. Rockfish#1 and#2 says:

    Burt simply forgot/ignored one important fact, he and his cronies cannot carry on business as usual.Additionally,one would expect him to know ignorance of the law is no excuse.

    He did not apologize, but made up silly excuses that the usual sheeple will accept. Had a politician from the OBA committed the same crime, (allegedly) he,Rabain,Daniels etc. would be screaming blue murder and demanding resignations. Talk about double standards!

    One another matter, we are waiting for Mr.Misick’s (Turks and Caicos) next move,hopefully he will call names.

  63. All In says:

    Scary to think this guy could be the Finance Minister !

  64. Tramsparency for Real!! says:

    “GOVERNMENTS (OBA) need to get out of the way of Entrepreneurship growing in this country, it hurts the small man”. They are blocking many small business from getting off the ground.

    GO ENJOY CUP MATCH OBA FANS…..DO NOT FORGET TO TASTE SOME OF THE BEST SWIZZLE IN BERMUDA> STAY TUNE TO THE FUTURE SALE OF THE SWIZZLE>

    WELL DONE< WELL DONE BURT>>AFTER ALL THIS IS GREAT WAY FOR FOLKS TO LEARN ABOUT THE BEST SWIZZLE IN BERMUDA>OBA might be afraid you will steal profits from them. Others need to start up small business as well. GOVERNMENTS need to get out of the way of Entrepreneurship growing in this country, it hurts the small man. Get out of the way OBA and let folks develop small business to grow our economy. For REAL.

    HAVE FUN>>> LOL…HAVE A SWIZZLE CUP MATCH

    • Best? Hardly says:

      Burt aaiiintttt evvvveeen clooose to having the best swizzle on the island.

      PROPAGANDA!

  65. Share.next.time says:

    Maybe this is all a clever plan to help pay back the $750 million Richards borrowed as if they are going to start fining people for swizzle they will end up fining half the island!

  66. honestly says:

    I know I’m reading this late but I’m honestly confused. Please explain to me what’s wrong with making orders for swizzle over the Internet? personally I think it’s a good idea. Is it that minors may be able to purchase it? I do think that is a problem. Is there anything else?

    • Mike Hind says:

      Simple. It’s against the law. That’s the problem.

    • Toodle-oo says:

      For the last time , even though it seems some people will never understand.

      You need a liquor license to sell liquor.

      He was re-using Gosling’s bottles with the labels still on them.

      That should clear it up once and for all .