Control beer sales, police say

PROVINCIAL liquor licencing officers in the Highlands must work with all stakeholders to control the sales of beer in the provinces and the region, a senior police officer says.
Chimbu police commander Supt Albert Beli said the uncontrolled sale of beer was causing social problems and violence.
“Beer is not like any other store good which can be sold anywhere in shops. It has to be sold under certain regulation that authorised liquor sellers and dealers need to comply with,” Beli told The National yesterday.
“We have hotels, clubs and licensed liquor sellers that comply with the law to trade. But beer is becoming another store product. So the provincial liquor licencing officers in the Highlands provinces as well as the regional licencing officers must look into that issue.”
He said a proactive approach was needed to address the unauthorised selling of beer and other alcoholic beverages in Chimbu and other Highlands provinces.
“We have the general election around the corner so we need to do awareness and attend to other important things rather than dealing with beer-related violence,” Beli said.
“Responsible authorities like the provincial and regional liquor trade licencing officers must take proactive approaches with key stakeholders like the police so that we can address this situation.”
Beli said he was frustrated with the provincial and regional liquor licencing officers who were not doing their jobs effectively.