Controller explains alcohol ban

STATE of Emergency Controller David Manning says the sale of alcohol prohibited on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays was done in view of alcohol-related incidents.
Manning, who is also the Police Commissioner, had issued an order last Thursday that restricted the sale of alcohol by major supermarkets and wholesalers on the three days.
He said “people’s attitude was still a major concern”.
“We have not learnt yet how to drink and until we can learn to control ourselves, such measures will have to be taken,” he said.
“So though major supermarkets and wholesalers exempted under Emergency Orders No. 10 and 28, I have now issued new order to stop them from selling alcohol on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” he said.
Comm Manning said the orders were in reaction to what was happening around the country.
“There have been increase in reports of domestic violence, drunken brawls and assault cases as a result of binge drinking,” he said.
“So we have decided to restrict the sale of alcohol during the weekends.”
Meanwhile, Comm Manning said the situation across the country was generally quiet despite a number of armed holdups immediately after the relaxation of the state of emergency restrictions