Chairman: Alcohol ban in province still stands

 THE alcohol ban in Southern Highlands will continue despite several appeals to lift it, says newly appointed chairman of the Liquor Licensing Commission.
Simon Tolpe, who is the Karinz LLG president, said police manpower would be boosted to make sure alcohol is not smuggled into the province.
“Police will walk the streets where illegal liquor trades occur and those caught will be punished,” he said.
He said alcohol was smuggled through the Tambul road, in Western Highlands, and Kaupena, in Southern Highlands.
Tolpe said police were responsible for manning gates and other civilians should no longer be stationed there due to alleged bribery.
“The province is experiencing high rates of liquor-related problems despite the ban imposed a few years ago and today they are concerned and want a strong police presence at boom gates and markets where liquor is traded,” he said.
A mobile squad unit has been tasked to ensure confiscated alcohol are destroyed.