Control alcohol abuse in country

THE media report on crimes about behaviour influenced by alcohol consumption almost every day.
Reports from the criminal justice system of arrests for alcohol-fueled domestic violence and driving while intoxicated is becoming normal.
As a mother of daughters I want to know if there is a way of controlling the sale of alcohol in public places.
The availability of alcohol is a key driver of alcohol-related problems.
Authorities need to step up and take action on outlets who continue to defy authorised trading hours.
Most trading happen in public.
We understand the police are busy, but they are in a position to know if bars are open past 12am to take appropriate action.
The sale and consumption of alcohol is not against the law nor should it be.
But the law does regulate alcohol sales in the interest of community safety.
Many people drink alcohol and the majority do so without any problems.
Alcohol abuse is a contentious issue that poses many challenges for our society.
Banning production and consumption of alcohol may not be possible.
The sensible thing is to commit ourselves to controlling it.
There is an urgent need to address alcohol consumption and related issues in the country.
While businesses want to make money and city and town authorities need the goods and services tax to manage the city, there is a serious need to look at the cost of alcohol to the community at large.
Legislative limits on trading hours for licensed premises should be the key policy approach to managing alcohol-related problems.
The sale of alcohol in the community through black markets needs to be discouraged by the policy makers as this is the quickest avenue through which young people get used to consuming alcohol.
Black markets are not only affordable, they are available everywhere any time.
Strict laws on the sale and consumption of alcohol need to be reinforced in the country to curtail abuse of alcohol.

Worried Yamo
PNG