Police impose alcohol ban

 AN increase in the number of alcohol-related deaths has led to an alcohol ban in Gulf, provincial police commander Lincoln Gerari said.

A Moveave man was killed in Kerema town two weeks ago. 

He is reportedly the latest victim of a series of alcohol-related deaths in the province since late last year. 

Gerari, who is the deputy chairman of the liquor licensing board in the province, said the ban would remain for an indefinite period until the liquor laws were reviewed.

He said those who were caught selling or drinking alcohol would be charged and locked up.

He said those caught for drinking alchol would have to pay a bail of K1000. Gerari said police in the province would be tough when implementing the ban.

“Too many people have died from alcohol-related fights,” he said

“A man was killed in the provincial town after a heated argument between two families over an alleged extra marital affair which resulted in his family allegedly retaliating and burning down two government houses.”

He said the alcohol ban was imposed as investigations were still going on and he did not want other alcohol-related problems to occur.

Gerari said at least five people had died from alcohol-related problems in the past few months.