Cheap alcohol ban imposed in Simbu Province

Thursday, 12 June 2025, 12:27 pm

One of the cheap alcohol products that has been banned from being sold on the shelves in Simbu Province (Image: Supplied)

The Simbu Provincial Government (SPG) has once again announced a total ban on cheap alcohol products with an alcohol content above 5%, effective across the entire province starting June 10, 2025.

The decision was made by the Provincial Executive Council [PEC] after the lifting of the total liquor ban in Simbu under the Waigani court No. 11 of 2025 made against SPG.

While lifting the ban on other breweries, the PEC resolved to prohibit the sales and consumption of all cheap alcohol within the province.

In a statement released by Simbu Governor and Chairman of the PEC, Noah Kool, they warned all the liquor license distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and operators in Simbu to respect and comply with the PEC decision.

Governor Kool stated that many findings revealed that the continuous law and order concerns are related mainly to the sales and consumption of cheap alcohol, which is consumed mostly by youths and young school students, who often end up getting drunk and causing public nuisance and disorder.

He emphasizes that these products are completely banned from sales and consumption in the province.

Mr Kool appealed to the stakeholders to understand that the collective common good, welfare, and interest of the citizens of Simbu province and visitors are paramount than any other pertaining interest.

He urged the Simbu Provincial Liquor Licenses Commission to make sure that the PEC decision of a total ban on cheap alcohol must be strictly followed by distributors and consumers.

" Simbu is our province. Therefore, we must conduct business with care and responsibility as responsible corporate citizens whether we are in the formal or informal business sector," he said.

An exception is made only for properly distilled wine products imported from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and other overseas countries.

SPG has yet to release details regarding the enforcement of this ban and the potential penalties for violations.

Meanwhile, the ban is expected to have a significant impact on local businesses and social gatherings within the province.