St. Croix venue's public operations halted over licensing gaps

ST. CROIX. Government agencies shut down Prosperity Farm's bar, food-service and event operations on Saturday after discovering the establishment lacked a health permit, Fire/EMS approval, and was running activities not covered by its commercial farming license.

The V.I. Department of Health and Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs led the enforcement action, which targeted only the public-facing operations rather than the property's agricultural work or spirit production. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion stated that inspectors found additional health-code violations beyond the missing permit, though she did not specify what they were. The venue also operated without Fire/EMS clearance.

Prosperity Farm maintains a valid commercial farming license, but DLCA Commissioner Nathalie Hodge said the business had expanded into activities, running a bar, selling alcohol and hosting events, that fall outside what that license authorizes. She explained that DLCA cannot unilaterally close a business without following administrative procedures, which is why the agency had previously issued citations and fines while pursuing a formal hearing.

The licensing conflict has developed over more than a year. In November 2025, DLCA fined the operation $5,500 for operating without proper licenses and exceeding its scope. Prosperity Farm then sought a cabaret and tavernkeeper license, but the application was rejected due to zoning restrictions.

Ms. Hodge said a decision in the licensing case has been made and she anticipates an appeal from Prosperity Farm. She indicated the business might eventually apply for event licenses if zoning permits it, though the alcohol component poses a steeper challenge. The property's agricultural zoning classification blocks certain alcohol-related uses, and Prosperity Farm has been told to address the zoning issue.

The dispute reflects competing views on what Virgin Islands agricultural law allows. Prosperity Farm contends that its A-1 zoning and farming license permit agricultural processing, including distillation of spirits other than rum, and agritourism activities. DLCA's legal team rejects this reading when operations venture into bars, nightclubs or entertainment.