Monitor breweries: Kaupa

THE Government should ensure the alcohol manufacturing industries in the country comply with quality standards, Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa says.
During grievance debate in Parliament on Friday, Kaupa said beer with higher alcohol content manufactured by factories owned and operated by foreigners were contributing to the rampant law and order issues in the National Capital District.
He said if this was happening in the capital city, it was probably the case across the rest of the country given the lack of policing in this area.
Kaupa said compared to the traditional beer produced by the SP Brewery which was in a 330ml can or bottle and contained around 4.5 per cent alcohol, the beer consumed widely by people in the communities from other manufacturers contained a much higher percentage of alcohol, and therefore, posed a greater risk.
“The percentage of alcohol in the 250ml container (sold cheaply) is equivalent to the alcohol content of a 12-pack or carton of beer,” he said.
Kaupa said it had reached a point where parents needed to be wary when giving lunch money to their children as these products were cheap and easily accessible.
He said beer with a higher alcohol content which was sold cheaply was a recipe for disaster.
Kaupa said alcohol abuse contributed to the high prevalence of gender-based-violence, violence in general, ethnic clashes, poverty, loss of employment, low productivity and other related issues.
He said relevant authorities such as the Department of Commerce and Industry needed to ensure there were quality checks and control measures were in place and standards were met by companies who produced alcohol.