TONGA – Non-compliant liquor dealers were warned to start adhering to the liquor laws during a meeting called by cluster commander Maj. Gen. Dorah Xaba yesterday.
The dealers were told to stick to opening and closing times, not to sell liquor to minors and encouraged to follow the correct procedures when appointing managers. (Find out more about the National Liquor Act here.)
Xaba stated that when liquor outlets don’t close when they’re supposed to, liquor dealers and customers are exposed to crime and police have deal with increasing crime statistics.
Liquor dealers were advised to hire security officers to avoid being attacked by rowdy customers refusing to go home at closing time and to assist with parking issues such as cars blocking the road. It was also mentioned that community members needed to be made aware of opening and closing times of liquor outlets.
