ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has begun preparations for the enforcement of the state’s Liquor (Licensing) Law, with relevant government agencies and operators urged to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, following a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, ahead of the enforcement exercise.
The meeting was organised to explain the purpose of the enforcement, clarify the requirements of the law and encourage liquor dealers, hoteliers and other affected businesses to comply before enforcement begins across the state.
Oyeniyi said the exercise was not designed to frustrate legitimate businesses or create unnecessary hardship for operators, but to ensure that existing regulations governing the sale and consumption of liquor were observed.
The commissioner said effective regulation would enable relevant authorities to monitor establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed and help prevent such premises from being used as venues for criminal activities.
He added that enforcing the law formed part of broader crime prevention and public safety efforts, noting that properly regulated business environments would contribute to a safer and more orderly society.
A representative of the Delta State Ministry of Justice provided the legal perspective on the legislation and called for cooperation among government agencies and stakeholders involved in regulating liquor-related businesses.
The Executive Director, Operations, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Prof. Frank Onyisi Nwugo, said inadequate awareness of the existing requirements remained a challenge and advocated broader sensitisation across the state’s 25 local government areas.
A representative of the Secretary to the State Government also urged hoteliers, liquor dealers and other affected operators to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the law and take steps to comply.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Lands, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Delta State Internal Revenue Service and local government councils.
Representatives of the Nigeria Hoteliers Association, Delta State, as well as hoteliers, wine merchants, liquor dealers and other stakeholders also participated in the engagement.
The Command urged operators of affected establishments to cooperate with the relevant authorities, stressing that the enforcement is intended to promote lawful regulation, prevent crime and strengthen the safety and security of residents across Delta State.
The Delta State Liquor (Licensing) Law provides for different categories of liquor licences and regulates the sale of intoxicating liquor on licensed premises. It also contains provisions relating to permitted hours, conditions attached to licences and offences involving licensed establishments.
