AS the liquor ban was lifted on Saturday, the capital has experienced a noisy and disturbing atmosphere as drunkards patrolling the streets and communities causing public annoyances.
Reports reaching this paper said, that pubs and bottle shops in Honiara were very busy with people buying alcoholic beverages after the lift of the liquor ban.
The ban was effective as of Friday 19th June as Honiara hosted the 20thMelanesian Spearhead Group leaders’ summit.
An officer from the Central Police station confirmed to the Solomon Star yesterday that the police custody is filled up with mostly drunkards compared to the past weekends.
He added that, he cannot confirm the number of arrests made but it is believed most of the arrests were alcohol related.
This came after the liquor ban was lifted over the weekend.
Staffof the National Referral Hospital’s Emergency ward also confirmed a number of cases where people are taken to the hospital to receive medical attention throughout Saturday night and Sunday morning.
This paper understands that the liquor ban was also questioned by pub and bottle owners as well as the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) the peak representative of the private sector in Solomon Islands saying that the loss of business to small business owners is their concern.
However, the lift of the ban turned sour as people ended up in police custody and also at the hospital with matters related to alcohol.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
