RSIPF announces extension of Liquor Ban to 8 April 2019

The Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) announces an extension of the liquor ban for Honiara and Guadalcanal Province till 8 April 2019.

Under Section 82(1) of the Liquor Act, the Caretaker Minister of Home Affairs, Ishmael Avui today issued an order to extend the original nation-wide liquor ban, which lapses at midnight tonight, 6th April.

Under the extended ban, all liquor licensed premises including bars, nightclubs and/or bottle shops in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province must not sell liquor and must be closed from 7 to 8 April 2019 (inclusive). However the order does not apply to the sale or supply of liquor by a hotel to its bona fide guests accommodated at the hotel.

Commissioner Matthew Varley says, “I decided to request the extension to the liquor ban for Honiara and Guadalcanal because the counting of ballot papers at some venues is still continuing."

"The RSIPF strongly believes the original liquor ban contributed greatly to the peaceful and safe National Election process so far. We commend all citizens of Solomon Islands for showing responsible behaviour so far, and we want this to continue until all counting has been completed and the results declared," says Commissioner Varley.

He emphasises: “I also want to remind all supporters of any winning candidate that the police will not permit any victory float parades on our roads or on boats at sea."

"I appeal to the good citizens of Honiara and Guadalcanal Province to respect the liquor ban and continue the good behaviour shown since the NGE process began. We all want our community to continue to be safe and free from any violence or misbehaviour," says Commissioner Varley.