Alcohol ban

From May 12 to May 19 only hotels will be allowed to sell alcohol. The PPC added that from May 19 to July 29, there will be a complete ban on the sale of alcohol.

Beli who is also part of the Liquor Licensing board in the province said, “We (Provincial Liquor Licensing Board) are mindful of small business owners who may be affected by the ban, but it is only for a short term.”

“Anybody (outlet) who defies the restrictions or ban will be severely dealt with.

“Police will also be keeping a close eye on homebrew producers.

The PPC said from police records, alcohol was one of the main cause for problems. The ban on the sales of liquor will make some difference during the election. He said he will discuss this with the provincial liquor licensing committee and other stake holders on how best they will address this before the actual dates of the ban are issued.

He said with the passing of PNG’s founding father, it is customary that the nation should be in mourning.

“As indigenous Papua New Guineans, we should all know our customary obligations,” he stated.

“People abusing alcohol and causing disturbances will definitely be cause for concern during this period as it will cause insult to others, where trouble will may flare up.

In a press briefing today, the Member for Moresby North-East, John Kaupa, said most of the problems experienced in his electorate were alcohol-related. Furthermore, following their recent NCDC Board meeting, he has realised that a majority of alcohol sales in the settlements were unlicensed, hence they were illegal.

“Starting off with Eight-Mile, three people lost their lives because of liquor. The NCDC liquor commission already put a ban on Eight-Mile, indefinite. And as per the last board meeting, the NCDC board also put a ban on all liquor sales in the settlement,” he stated.

Madang PPC Ben Neneo says the town has been quiet and peaceful after the festive season and they will continue issuing the liquor ban notices to outlets in other parts of the province.

He also warned that any defaulters will be dealt with.

Police expect liquor license holders to respect the Provincial executive council’s decision, which was made for the common good for the people.

Last month the Provincial Executive Council passed a resolution to place a 5-year alcohol ban in the province.

A decision that has not gone down well with SP Brewery.

SP Brewery managing director, Stan Joyce, expressed the company’s disappointment over the decision.

“Our Company continues to invest in responsible consumption education and advocates effective licensing as mandated by the National Liquor Licensing Act. We also understand that Provincial Government has the powers to regulate the sale of alcohol. All we ask as a corporate citizen is for some communication with authorities which has been notably absent in this case,” stated Joyce.

NCD Police boss Ben Turi said that as usual, people will be allowed to have alcohol during their celebrations but they must be responsible.

Turi confirmed there will not be analcohol ban in order to cut down on black markets in settlements.

“Similar to last year, we allowed alcohol during the festive period and we didn’t experience any serious reports in relation to alcohol consumption.

“During Easter we also allowed alcohol to be taken but with respect to the community and people behaved so we commend the public.

  CBC general secretary Father Victor Roche made this statement today after visiting victims of the pack rape that took place at Morata in the nation’s capital on New Year ’s Day.

“ I spoke with two of the victims yesterday. I don’t know why people would come and attack women like this for no reason at all.

“Alcohol is the cause for this and selling it in settlements will always cause problems,” said Roche.

He appealed to relatives of the victims to allow the law to take its course.