RSIPF reminds public of liquor ban during election of PM

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) reminds members of the public, all licenced premises and all bars in Honiara City of the liquor ban that will come into force on 23 and 24 April 2019 for the election of the Prime Minister.

The liquor ban is part of the Liquor Ban Order issued by the Caretaker Minister of Home Affairs, Ishmael Avui in Legal Notice No. 29 on 25 March 2019.

The Liquor Ban Order stated: “I, Minister for Home Affairs, Ishmael Avui, under section 82 (1) of the Liquor Act (CApt.144 direct that:
(b) all licensed premises and all bars in Honiara City be closed and no liquor sold on such premises on the day before the day of election and on the day of the election of the Prime Minister.”

“With the notice issued by the Governor General Sir Dr Frank Kabui for the election of the Prime Minister to be held on Wednesday 24 April 2019, this means that the Liquor Ban will be effective from 23 to 24 April 2019,” says RSIPF Commissioner, Matthew Varley.

He adds: “I appeal to all licensed premises and bars in Honiara City to respect this liquor ban and close all the licensed premises and bars in Honiara and do not sell any liquor during those dates.”

“Officers of the RSIPF will be out in numbers during those days to ensure that the ban is respected and anyone failing to do so will be dealt with immediately. It is important to remember that the ban is critical to ensure there is safety and peace within our communities. It has been proven so many times that alcohol is one of the drivers of crime in our communities,” says Commissioner Varley.

He adds: “I call on supporters of all the different political groups forming for the election of the Prime Minister to allow the process to take its cause and accept whoever becomes the country’s new political leader. Let us move forward peacefully with our new Government to develop our nation for a better future for everyone.”

The RSIPF National General Election operation continues with the focus on Honiara and Guadalcanal Province for the election of the new Prime Minister and formation of a new Government. The Operation will include visibility patrols throughout capital on a 24 hours basis including traffic checks during the day and at night. A Post-NGE awareness program is being rolled out throughout Honiara to ensure a peaceful and safe election of the Prime Minister.