The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs announced Tuesday that it has revoked the business license for Lionel Warrell (doing business as Warrell Water Way) because a joint investigation with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources determined he was doing business in an area zoned R-2, residential low density.
Warrell had set up a shipping container with a service window cut out on one side in a highly trafficked area on St. Thomas, on the roadside just above the Mafolie Hotel at 30C Estate Elizabeth. According to DPNR, he was selling souvenirs, snacks and alcoholic beverages from the container and he operated there for several months.
Attempts to reach Warrell for comment were unsuccessful; there is no phone listing for him or for Warrell Water Way on St. Thomas.
According to the DLCA release, the investigation was conducted “as a result of a large volume of complaints received from concerned residents regarding traffic and safety issues.” The investigation concluded that Warrell was conducting commerce in an area that was not zoned for Tavernkeeper B and retail store.
The department’s press release stated that Wayne L. Biggs Jr., DCLA commissioner, “reminds all businesses conducting commerce in the Virgin Islands that they must adhere to all licensing, zoning and any other applicable statute, rules or regulations to ensure continued business operation.”
