Liquor ban imposed in parts of city

By MARJORIE FINKEO
A LIQUOR-BAN has been imposed for 16 days over Christmas and New Year at Erima, Wildlife and the 8-Mile area in Port Moresby.
The ban started yesterday.
The ban means liquor is not to be sold on the streets, by licenced outlets and private homes.
National Capital District Met Supt Perou N’dranou, who conducted street raids and awareness with more than 20 officers from zone three stations, Gordon, 6-Mile and Saraga yesterday, told people living along the banned areas to take the warning seriously. It was because they were the areas where offences such as ethnic clashes, marijuana and home-brew consumption and petty crimes were increasing and prominent.
N’dranou told The National that the police raid and awareness were conducted at Gordon bus stop areas, market, shops, Unagi Oval bus stop, Erima Flyover Bridge, 5-Mile streets, Wildlife and 6-Mile bus stop and shop areas.
“We are telling people that alcohol ban has been imposed on certain locations, those who drink must keep indoors because if police catch them making nuisance in public areas, the law will deal with them accordingly,” N’dranou said.
Street raids look at illegal weapons, liquor, petty crimes, fire cracker sellers and home-brew and marijuana dealers in public areas.
Zone three operation leader Sgt Tom Vali said two suspects were arrested at Gordon bus stop for allegedly selling firecrackers.