Powi: Alcohol ban stays

 THE alcohol ban in the Southern Highlands will continue despite calls to lift it, Governor William Powi said.

He said during a provincial assembly meeting in Mendi last week that the ban would continue for some time until law and order issues were reduced.

“As the ban continues, I appeal to the people to respect the law and respect each other and not to consume or carry beer in public places as it is illegal,” he said.

People are still drinking beer in public places as if there is no ban and the police are not enforcing the ban.

Powi said as mandated leaders, they made decisions and laws for the good of the people but a few continued to smuggle beer into the province, creating more problems.

He urged the police to assist in maintaining the ban.

Some people interviewed supported the ban but were concerned because of the lack of control and enforcement of the provincial government’s decision.

Sources told The National that people were continuing to smuggle beer through Mendi-Tambul and the Mendi-Kandep roads in four-wheel-drive vehicles.

They said a carton of beer was sold at K240 while a bottle or can of beer cost K10, similar to prices in hotels in Port Moresby.