BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

OFFICIALS from the Western Provincial Government (WPG) travelled to the Shortland Islands earlier this month to conduct awareness on liquor laws and environmental management with businesses seeking liquor licences.

The visit was prompted by a growing number of applications from businesses interested in selling alcohol in the Shortlands.

Speaking to Island Sun, Marilyn Roy Vana, Health Inspector with the Environmental Health Division said the mission aimed to carry out thorough consultations with liquor licence applicants and help communities understand the requirements under provincial laws.

Vana said the team visited five communities during the outreach.

“There are applications to sell liquor submitted to the province, and the trip was to seek a better understanding of the shop locations and their waste management plans,” she explained.

She stressed that provincial liquor laws are designed to minimise community disputes and promote responsible alcohol sales, especially given the rise in alcohol-related issues in both rural and urban settings.

“This is important given the rate of alcohol abuse we experience in rural areas as well as towns,” Vana said.

According to Vana, applicants were informed that a two-month notice period is required to allow communities to raise any disputes before a licence is approved.

She said her role during the visit included assessing whether the buildings were suitable for selling alcohol and ensuring that shops had proper waste management systems.

“I was also tasked to ensure these shops have waste management plans. We don’t want the tins to end up in the ocean,” she added.

Vana described the trip as a success, noting that applicants and communities were receptive to the awareness sessions.

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