Lautoka Chamber calls for crackdown on illegal liquor sales and public disturbances

The Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry is asking relevant authorities to take immediate action on unlicensed shops and private residents within the city municipality who are selling liquor and tobacco illegally at night and are also contributing to public disturbance and encourages criminal activities.

Chamber President Semy Narendra Swamy says after recent meetings with Community Police for more patrols in the city, they welcome some decrease in criminal activities in town particularly in the central business areas.

Swamy says he is worried to see the large influx of young people now seen loitering on the streets and shopping malls and some appear in groups along corner shops, asking for money and food from passing by shoppers.

He says while police are doing street patrols, the members of the Chamber operating shops are vigilant and doing all things possible to maintain their businesses.

Swamy says, however, they still feel that more needs to be done on municipal laws or rules and are seeking a change of culture in people’s behavior with more support and involvement from local community leaders.