Hela liquor ban enforcement strengthened as committee sets new measures

The Hela Provincial Liquor Licensing Board has taken decisive steps to reinforce the province-wide liquor ban, convening last week to deliberate on two important resolutions aimed at tightening enforcement and ensuring compliance.

The board resolved to appoint Liquor Licensing Inspectors who will patrol the province, monitoring communities and businesses to ensure the ban is upheld. In addition, stronger penalties for breaches of liquor laws were endorsed, indicating a tougher stand against smuggling and illegal sales.

Provincial Administrator Marago Dagoba who is Chairman of the board emphasized that while the liquor ban is already legally binding, enforcement mechanisms required further reinforcement.

“These measures have now been put in place, ensuring that the law will be more effectively upheld. With these improvements, the ban will be fully enforced throughout the province starting this year,” he said.

The Ambua checkpoint, which was closed last year following disputes between local landowners themselves, is set to be revived with significant upgrades. Dagoba visited the site over the weekend and confirmed plans to establish a mini police station and install scanning equipment to detect illegal items such as firearms, ammunition, and other prohibited materials.

He said the Hela Provincial Government has allocated more than K600,000 to fund the checkpoint’s development. Negotiations are underway with landowners to purchase customary land and convert it into state-owned land, ensuring long-term stability for checkpoint operations.

Dagoba revealed that two vehicles have already been provided to assist inspectors and police in enforcing the ban.

“The checkpoint’s role extends beyond curbing alcohol smuggling. It will also play a vital role in monitoring and intercepting the illicit trade of guns, ammunition, and marijuana,” he explained.

Since the ban was enforced, Dagoba said there has been improvements in public behavior, suggesting that communities are beginning to respect the restrictions. However, he issued a stern warning to those attempting to bypass the law.

“The smuggling of liquor is done by a few individuals using lighter vehicles in small quantities. I am issuing a zero tolerance warning to people in Hela and neighboring provinces; once caught, any confiscated liquor will be destroyed on the spot, vehicles impounded, and no leniency will be shown,” he said.

The Provincial Administrator expressed confidence that with the checkpoint fully operational and police enforcement strengthened, the province will see a sharp decline in smuggling, distribution, and public drinking.