Odita Sunday 
Delta Police Begin Stakeholders’ Mobilisation Over Liquor Licensing Law
By Odita Sunday
The Delta State Police Command has commenced sensitisation of stakeholders ahead of the enforcement of the state’s Liquor (Licensing) Law.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, convened a stakeholders’ meeting as part of efforts to clarify the purpose of the exercise and promote compliance.
The move followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, for police commands across the country to enforce applicable laws regulating the sale and consumption of liquor.
Oyeniyi said the enforcement was not aimed at frustrating legitimate businesses or imposing undue hardship on operators, but at ensuring compliance with existing laws in the interest of public safety.
According to him, proper regulation would enable relevant authorities to monitor premises where liquor is sold and consumed and prevent such establishments from being used for criminal activities.
He added that the exercise was aimed at preventing and controlling crime, as well as enhancing the safety of residents, stressing that a decent and properly regulated environment would contribute to a safer and more peaceful society.
A representative of the Delta State Ministry of Justice provided the legal perspective on the Liquor Licensing Law and stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders in addressing issues surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state.
The Executive Director, Operations, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Prof. Frank Onyisi Nwugo, PhD, Esq., said awareness of the existing legal requirements remained limited.
Nwugo consequently called for wider sensitisation across the 25 local government areas of the state to ensure that affected operators were adequately informed about the provisions of the law.
A representative of the Secretary to the State Government also urged hoteliers, liquor dealers and other affected operators to familiarise themselves with the law and ensure compliance.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Delta State Ministries of Justice and Lands, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, local government councils, the Chairman of the Nigeria Hoteliers Association, Delta State, hoteliers, wine and liquor dealers and other stakeholders.
The Command urged operators of affected establishments to cooperate with relevant authorities and comply with the provisions of the law.
It reiterated that the exercise was focused on lawful regulation, crime prevention and the safety and security of residents across the state.
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