The government filed an appearance in connection with an injunction granted to web shop owners earlier this month. It was the first action taken by the government since seven web shops were granted an injunction on January 30, two days after a majority of Bahamians voted no to the regulation and taxation of web shops and the establishment of a national lottery. The documents were filed on February 15 and served on Sears and Co. on Friday. Attorneys Alfred Sears and Jeffery Lloyd represent Paradise Games.

Wayne Munroe represents the owners of Island Game, Island Luck, FML Group of Companies, Asue Draw, Whatfall and Chances. The documents filed by the government were only served on Sears and not Munroe. Sears and Munroe filed documents in the Supreme Court in an effort to permanently prevent the government from shutting down their clients' operations. The minister of finance, the minister of national security, the minister of tourism, the commissioner of police and the attorney general are listed as defendants.

Munroe recently noted that the injunction only applies to the seven web shops that he and Sears represent. When asked if the government could shut down web shops not protected by the injunction he said: "It's a matter for the government, the commissioner of police, the minister of national security and the attorney general whether or not they take any action not covered by the action and the order. That's a policy decision for them." No date has been set for court hearings into the matter as yet. Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett is expected to either hear the matter or pass it on to another judge.

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