Samoa has introduced major changes to its Alcohol Control laws including new regulations on the production, sales and advertising of alcohol.
The Alcohol Control Bill 2020 tackles alcohol consumption by controlling the availability of alcohol, reducing demand and minimizing the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.
Samoa Observer quotes the Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt who is also Chairman of the Liquor Control Board, saying the bill has already been signed into law by the Head of State.
However, there are certain aspects requiring consultation with the business community which is delaying implementation.
The bill was first tabled in Parliament in 2018 and was passed last month with a number of accompanying recommendations by Parliament’s Economic Sector Committee.
Under the bill, all alcohol advertising must now go through the Liquor Control Board for approval.
The courts have increased calls for action to stop crimes committed under the influence of alcohol.
The Economic Sector Committee which reviewed the bill has called for hotels and nightclub owners to regulate security officers’ behavior.
“There have been recent cases which show night watchmen as instigators of violence rather than restoring peace and safety within hotels,” said the Committee.
Raising the cost of alcoholic beverages was also offered as a means to reduce consumption and reduce alcohol-related violence.
