Alcohol ban not the solution

Caption:  (R) Governor Parkop, Stand Joyce, and Sir Tauvasa prepare to cut the ribbon to the new brew house.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 14, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

NCD Governor Powes Parkop pointed out last week the solution to eradicating alcohol abuse was not through an alcohol ban, but through proper regulation and the promotion of responsible drinking.

The governor’s comments were in support of South Pacific Brewery Chairman Sir Joseph Tauvasa, during the opening of the company’s new brew house- where the chairman highlighted that a ban would only meet short term results for even more problems.

“Responsible behavior from alcohol consumption must come from within each individual within the community, within the province, and within the nation,” Sir Tauvasa pointed out.

“Imposing liquor bans has merits in achieving short term results- it will not however resolve the issue of alcohol abuse in the long term.”

“Education and respect for law and society are key aspects to changing the mindset towards alcohol and its consumption.”

Governor Parkop called on all manufacturers, importers, and sellers to take the responsibility to educate consumers on the best practices in alcohol consumption.

“I personally as you all know as your governor I am not a person who advocates a ban for alcohol- I have not seen it work anywhere in the world, even in those country that have banned it- it is still being smuggled in,” Governor Parkop said.

“It is better that we have a regulated alcohol in our city and in our country, educate our people and importantly police the regulation- that is how we are going to achieve responsible consumption of alcohol.”

“If we go the other way by banning it- we have seen it happen in the USA during the prohibitions years, where violence occurs, criminal networks grow.”