Hela to roll out major awareness campaign on liquor ban

Hela Province will launch a major awareness campaign this month to educate the public on the legal consequences of breaching the provincial liquor ban.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Welly, announced the campaign last week, saying it will be a joint operation involving the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the Hela Provincial Administration and other key stakeholders.

Supt Welly said the campaign comes after continued defiance of the liquor ban, with people still smuggling, selling and consuming alcohol across the province.

“Despite the liquor ban, people are still breaking the law. Those caught will face serious consequences, and their cases will be referred to the Tari National Court,” he said.

He said awareness teams will visit Magarima, Komo-Hulia, Koroba-Lake Kopiago and Tari-Pori districts to ensure everyone clearly understands the law.

“The time of ignoring the liquor ban is over. We are no longer treating this as a minor offence,” Supt Welly warned.

He said the liquor ban was introduced in response to concerns raised by mothers and the Christian community, who have long suffered from the social problems caused by alcohol abuse.

Supt Welly described alcohol as a major cause of crime and law-and-order issues in Hela.

“A small group of people continue to smuggle alcohol for profit, ignoring the peace of this province. The law will catch up with you,” he said.

He urged those involved in the illegal liquor trade to move into lawful business activities, saying there is no future in alcohol sales in Hela.

Supt Welly said people must choose peace and lawful livelihoods or face the full force of the National Court.