By BRADLEY MARIORI
There will be control over the sale and consumption of liquor in three districts of Morobe as requested by the districts. This was expressed by Morobe Governor and Finschhafen MP, Rainbo Paita.
Paita said the three districts include Menyamya, Wau Waria and Finschhafen have requested for the control and restrictions on the sale and consumption of liquor which was approved by the Provincial Executive Council (Sam Sewe).
“There had been concerns over the ethnic clashes and loss of lives and continued conflicts caused by consumption of alcohol including illicit brews and drugs,” Paita said.
“Whilst illicit brews and drugs are within the requirements of other laws and the police force, the Morobe PEC dealt with the matters and the Morobe Liquor Licensing Commission will deal with the matter.
“The sale of alcohol outside of licensed premises and uncontrolled sale of uncertified alcoholic drinks should be enforced by the Police. It is becoming a norm for offensive weapons such as bush knifes, catapults, guns and now wire catapults that are carried around in public.”
He said bush knives and grass knives are for gardening and household duties but these items are seen in towns and government stations and other public places and the use of offensive weapons is prevalent and most are a result of alcohol consumption and illicit drugs.
He said the Provincial Executive Council has deliberated and agreed to address this concerns directedly by ensuring all trading and liquor licenses laws are enforced.
Paita said the PEC agreed to control the sale of alcohol and pass new laws to prohibit sale of alcoholic beverages when alcoholic contents are not verified or showing the liquor contents prescribed by the Liquor Licensing Act and Liquor Miscellaneous Provision Act impose penalty for consumption of illegal brew or uncertified alcohol.
The PEC has directed the three Districts to work with the Morobe Liquor Licensing Commission to deal with the sale and consumption of liquor in the three Districts and they will monitor the results over the next three months for further action.
The Provincial Executive Council has also approved the new Liquor Licensing Law that will be introduced to the Tutumang and also be dealt with by the appointment of the new Morobe Liquor Licensing Commission Board that will work with the Morobe Provincial Government, all District Development Authorities and Local Level Governments.
