Stop selling liquor in public areas, says official

By PISAI GUMAR
PEOPLE selling liquor in public areas like Eriku, Top Town and Main Market bus stops in Lae and their suppliers will face the law if caught, the Lae district office has warned.
Suppliers will be identified and their licence removed, the office said.
Lae district chief executive officer Robin Calistus said there were 19 Lae city local level government amended laws 2005 that provided liquor restrictions in certain areas.
“Street vending at main bus stops or in front of the Main Market, including selling of liquor, is prohibited,” Calistus said.
He was surprised to learn that a street vendor sold a six-pack of beer at the Main Market on Saturday. It was witnessed by this reporter.
Provincial liquor licensing chairman Roy Imias said he would advise his technical team to take the matter up with police.
“Vendors are buying directly from shops and selling them on streets for a quick buck or they are engaged by some liquor outlets to sell for them” Imias said.
Imias said their responsibility was to ensure liquor outlets were safe and located in a particular environment before licences are granted.
“We will investigate the matter,” Imias said.
The vendor was selling six-packs for K20 from a market bag.