PNG Loop
There will be a “total liquor ban” in the Western Highlands and Jiwaka provinces starting January 19, due to rising social disorder.
That means all liquor outlets, distributors, pubs, motels and major hotels operating in Mt Hagen – PNG’s third largest city – and other centres of the two provinces will not sell any form of alcohol.
A checkpoint will be established at the border of Jiwaka and Chimbu by Jiwaka police to cut off grog smuggling.
This decision was reached in an urgent meeting held by the Western Highlands provincial liquor licensing board last Friday, December 19. Western H
The two provinces will follow Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela who also have indefinite liquor bans. Mr Neng said the provincial government was pressured by the community to ban liquor after a string of killings, rapes, tribal fights, car accidents and other social problems.
He said a policeman was allegedly killed by drunkards recently in Mt Hagen.
“The Western Highlands provincial liquor licensing board has resolved to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in the two provinces,” he said.
Mr Neng stressed that Western Highlands Governor Paias Wingti was petitioned by women groups, churches and the police to ban liquor because of detrimental effects. The administrator said all liquor dealers are allowed a one-month grace period to dispose of remaining stock until January 19, when the ban will be legally enforced.
“Liquor consumption in these provinces has been abused and is out of control,” he said, adding they have to act as a responsible authority.
Mr Neng said the decision may affect some businesses but asked for cooperation from all stakeholders. He said Jiwaka was included because it does not have a provincial liquor licensing board yet.
He however said the ban will be reviewed every three months depending on situations. Mr Neng said this is a collective decision and asked for everyone to respect it.
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