Alcohol-related violence dangerous

THE rise in alcohol-related violence in Port Moresby during the New Year should be a concern to everyone.
Port Moresby alone recorded 40 people who were brought to the Port Moresby General Hospital emergency ward suffering from alcohol-related injuries, all of whom were from the settlements.
According to a report by The National on Monday, the youngest admitted was 11 years old with the oldest 46.
The issue is that alcohol is easy to access.
In other developed countries such as Australia and the United States, liquor outlets ask customers to show valid ID to prove they are over the age of 18 to make a purchase.
In those countries, alcohol is sold in certain shops.
This is not the case with Papua New Guinea.
Bottleshops can be found everywhere in small retail shops and trade stores in settlements and villages.
Some bottleshops operate every day, even on public holidays.
This excludes the many black markets that are scattered throughout our towns and cities.
Beer and spirits are also cheap, depending on the manufacturer.
The Government should tax alcohol producers in the country heavily.
The manufactures will be forced to pass on this burden onto the customer who should purchase alcohol at a higher price.
The Government should ban the sale of alcohol in villages and settlements.
The Government should make it compulsory for retailers to ask for a valid ID from a customer to prove they are over the age of 18.
Failure to do so would result in a hefty fine.

Mosbi Observer