The Delta State Police Command has commenced sensitization of stakeholders ahead of the enforcement of the state’s Liquor (Licensing) Law, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, urging operators to comply with existing regulations.
Oyeniyi convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for police commands nationwide to enforce applicable laws regulating the sale and consumption of liquor.
The meeting brought together government agencies, local government representatives, hoteliers, wine and liquor dealers and other stakeholders to clarify the purpose of the enforcement and encourage voluntary compliance.
The Commissioner said the exercise was not designed to frustrate legitimate businesses or impose unnecessary hardship on operators, but to ensure compliance with the law in the interest of public safety.
According to him, effective regulation would enable relevant authorities to monitor premises where liquor is sold and consumed and prevent such locations from being used as hideouts or operational bases for criminal activities.
He added that the enforcement was part of broader efforts to strengthen crime prevention and control while ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state.
The representative of the Delta State Ministry of Justice provided a legal perspective on the Liquor Licensing Law and stressed the importance of collaboration among relevant agencies and stakeholders in addressing issues associated with the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Operations, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Prof. Frank Onyisi Nwugo, said limited awareness of existing licensing requirements remained a challenge.
Nwugo advocated wider sensitisation across the 25 local government areas to ensure that affected operators understand their obligations under the law.
Similarly, the representative of the Secretary to the State Government urged hoteliers, liquor dealers and other affected businesses to familiarise themselves with the relevant provisions and take necessary steps to ensure compliance.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Justice and Lands, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, local government councils, the Nigeria Hoteliers Association, Delta State, as well as hoteliers, wine and liquor dealers and other stakeholders.
The Police Command consequently appealed to operators of affected establishments to cooperate with the relevant authorities, stressing that the enforcement is aimed at lawful regulation, crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across Delta State.
