Gov. Anderson Agiru announced the ban during the provincial assembly meeting to pass the 2009 provincial government budget.
The ban was due to alcohol-related lawlessness in the province, which included last week’s attack on international medical staff from Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders, attached to Tari Hospital by an intoxicated man who was employed as their security guard.
Following the attack, Komo-Margarima MP Francis Potape petitioned the provincial government to impose a liquor ban, blaming alcohol for all social problems and lawlessness in Southern Highlands.
The ban meant there will be no supply, sale and consumption of liquor throughout the province from April 1.
All licensed premises including lodges, hotels and guest houses have until next month to sell off their liquor currently in stock.
The provincial executive council also appointed deputy governor and Mendi MP Pastor Isaac Joseph as the chairman of the newly established SHP liquor licensing board.
A total liquor ban will come into effect in Enga province in preparation for the National Executive Council meeting in Wabag on Wednesday, police said.
Liquor outlets and guest houses have been restricted from selling alcohol until Friday, provincial police commander Michael Chare said.
“There will be total liquor ban over the five days, and if any outlets and guest houses are found illegally trading alcohol, the owners will be arrested and charged under the provincial Liquor Licensing Act,” Chare told The National from Wabag.
He said the ban was essential during the NEC meeting to ensure law and order problems, commonly associated with the abusive consumption, sale and supply of liquor, were minimized.
He appealed to all stakeholders in the province to observe the ban and to fully cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
