The Delta State Police Command has commenced the sensitisation of relevant stakeholders ahead of the enforcement of the Liquor (Licensing) Law of Delta State.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, convened a stakeholders’ meeting as part of preparations for the enforcement exercise, following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directing police commands nationwide to enforce applicable laws regulating the sale and consumption of liquor.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a press statement, saying the meeting was aimed at sensitising relevant stakeholders, clarifying the purpose of the exercise and promoting voluntary compliance with the law before enforcement begins.
According to the Commissioner of Police, the exercise is not designed to frustrate legitimate businesses or impose undue hardship on operators, but to ensure compliance with existing laws in the interest of public safety and security.
CP Oyeniyi explained that effective regulation would enable relevant authorities to monitor establishments where liquor is sold and consumed and prevent such premises from being used for criminal activities.
He added that the enforcement was aimed at crime prevention and control, as well as the protection of residents, noting that a decent and properly regulated environment would contribute to a safer and more peaceful society.
At the meeting, a representative of the Delta State Ministry of Justice provided legal clarification on the Liquor (Licensing) Law and stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing issues relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state.
The Executive Director (Operations) of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Prof. Frank Onyisi Nwugo, SAN, noted that awareness of the existing legal requirements remained limited and called for wider sensitisation across the state’s local government areas to improve understanding and compliance.
Also speaking, a representative of the Secretary to the State Government appealed to hoteliers, liquor dealers and other affected operators to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the law and comply with its requirements.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Lands, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Delta State Internal Revenue Service and local government councils across the state.
Other participants included the Chairman of the Nigeria Hoteliers Association, Delta State chapter, hoteliers, wine and liquor dealers, as well as other stakeholders.
The Delta State Police Command urged operators of affected establishments to cooperate with relevant authorities and comply with the provisions of the law, reiterating that the enforcement exercise was aimed at lawful regulation, crime prevention and the safety and security of residents of the state.
