NIP gets tough on liquor laws

THE New Ireland provincial government is ready to apply the full force of liquor laws upon retailers and brewers of homebrew.
Governor Sir Julius Chan said this when welcoming the new chairman of the provincial liquor and licencing board, Soka Toligai.
Toligai was appointed by the provincial executive council (PEC) on July 14.
Sir Julius said whilst liquor sale had been a revenue generating industry for the province, the social and health problems associated with alcohol use and abuse have been of grave concern to the government.
He added that it would be the task of the provincial liquor and licencing board to review the legislation regulating the industry, especially in regards to club licenses and bottle shops.
These, he said would be revoked if necessary.
Sir Julius emphasised that the liquor industry should always be at the forefront of acting responsibly.
He said homebrew and other drinks that were even being concocted by the womenfolk just to earn a few kina were shameful.
Sir Julius said the experience of Toligai as a former police officer responsible for pubic relations would help the liquor board overlook the liquor laws and encompass the need  to manage the liquor industry with a great deal of responsibility and sensitivity.