Alcohol to be banned in Highlands

The Highlands Region is likely to face a blanket alcohol ban amidst the Guns Amnesty and the lead up to the 2027 National Elections.

The Ministry of Police has come on board and strongly supports the joint initiative by the Highlands Provincial Governments to restrict retail sale and consumption of alcohol across the region.

Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced last Friday that the Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa has taken the lead in bringing his fellow Highlands governors together in their efforts to combat alcohol related issues in the region.

Alcohol abuse has caused staggering social and economic problems with thousands of lives have been lost or harmed through alcohol-related violence.

This is an ongoing issue across the country and with the National Firearms Amnesty coming into effect on the 27th of this month, the Police Minister Sir John Pundari says both issues can be addressed concurrently.

“As the National Government prepares to implement the Gun Amnesty and Surrender Program in the Highlands, we will work closely with Provincial Governments to ensure alcohol restrictions are included in this coordinated approach. This will create a safer environment, particularly as we approach the National General Elections.”

Minister Pundari says alcohol related violence has led to so many properties being destroyed, communities disrupted, and a population that should be empowered has instead been wasted away to alcohol.

He said alcohol related violence has exhausted police manpower across the region and therefore, he supports the call from the provincial police commanders and the governors to ban alcohol.

“If the alcohol related violence issues are of grave concern to my Regional Commanders and the Provincial Police Commanders, then the National Government will support their call for complete alcohol ban across the region."

Minister Pundari commended Western Governor Wai Rapa for openly addressing the ongoing alcohol related violence and stepping up to suggest a blanket alcohol ban in the Highlands region.

He is calling on all other Highlands Governors to work with Rapa and police hierarchy to implement the ban which can assist in eliminating senseless violence and create safer communities as the country heads towards the 2027 National Elections