AS the festive season approaches Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Makira-Ulawa Province has issued a strong warning to all Makira-Ulawa people that they will face the consequences of illegal sale of alcohol.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira-Ulawa Province, Superintendent Peter Sitai, said over the last few years police have arrested and charged individuals for selling alcohol without a license.

PPC Sitai said, the number of arrested suspects has been increasing during the festive season. 

While the police respect the rights of individuals to sell and consume alcohol, this must be done according to the Liquor Act.

In this part of the year, the most suitable form of license, which one would apply for, is the occasional beer license as provided for in Section 15(1) of the Liquor Act (CAP.144).

An occasional license shall authorise the licensee, during such time and any place therein specified at which any lawful amusement or entertainment is intended to be held, to sell and dispose of cigars, cigarettes, tobacco, snuff, matches, and refreshment, and

• In the case of an occasional full license, any liquor;
• In the case of an occasional beer license, beer.

An occasional license may be granted for any period not exceeding seven days and shall be subjected to such conditions as the licensing authority granting the license may impose.

An occasional license may be granted by the licensing authority, without notice, on application made to it in writing and payment of the appropriate fee prescribed in Schedule A of the Liquor Act.

The occasional beer application can be submitted to and approved by the Makira-Ulawa Province liquor license board.

Given the festive season is approaching, PPC appeals to those intended to be involved in such illegal activity to refrain and follow the legal procedure of conducting business.

Police will step up its operation during the festive season and will not tolerate individuals who are found operating illegally and charge them.