Otjozondjupa police ask for adherence to liquor licence conditions

OTJIWARONGO, 28 MAR – The Otjozondjupa police on Wednesday called on shebeen and bar owners in the region to stick to conditions stipulated on their liquor licences.
Spokesperson of the Namibian Police Force in the region, Warrant Officer Maureen Mbeha told Nampa in an interview the police will close outlets found to be operating outside their liquor licences on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Mbeha said the sale of all types of alcohol on these public holidays are generally prohibited by law.
She cited the Public Holidays Act No. 26 of 1990, which declares public holidays as closed days for the sale of alcohol, saying shebeens and bars are therefore not supposed to be opened to the public on these two days.
“For outlets holding special licences, strictly operate under the hours stated on your documents,” she said.
Mbeha said it disheartens members of the police force to see shebeens massively increasing in the region. There are currently 1 280 registered shebeens here, while more than 360 applications still await consideration.
She said this number is too high and it puts strain on the police force and their resources to control them.
Mbeha also warned motorists against drinking and driving, overloading, speeding and operating vehicles that are not roadworthy or operating them without valid licences this weekend.
“I also call on the public to be on the lookout for suspicious movements of people in their residential areas and report to us or the nearest police station for quick response,” she said.

NAMPA