PNG bans alcohol sales due to violence during lockdown

Port Moresby: Papua New Guinea (PNG) has banned the sale of alcohol on weekends because of an increase in violence since lockdown measures were eased.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency controller, police commissioner David Manning, said since several restrictions were eased, there’s been an increase in domestic violence, drunken fights and assaults. Mr Manning said these were the result of binge drinking, and he’s ordered major supermarkets and wholesalers to restrict the sale of alcohol on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The coronavirus has killed nearly 1,000 people in Indonesia, with a signficant outbreak in Jayapura, which is close to the PNG border.