Bars and liquor stores closed down in Rumbek
March 3, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Lakes state’s security services carried out an intensive search for alcohol in Rumbek Central market on Saturday just days after the military caretaker governor banned the sale of alcohol in the state.
Joseph Lemi, a businessman selling beer in a bar in Rumbek market said that all the beer from his shop was collected and destroyed in main market.
“All bottles were broken. They destroyed everything that contained the alcohol and those security people told me nothing”, adding that he would receive “no compensation”.
Lakes state’s military caretaker governor, Major-General Matur Chut Dhuol, issued an order banning the selling of alcohol in the state apart from at five hotels; Palmtree, Afex, Safari Style, Canal and South Sudan logistic hotel. The permission granted to the hotels to sell beer did not indicate what hours they would be able to do so.
The order also banned the selling of vegetables and garages for motorcycles (Bodaboda) and bicycles from operating inside main market. He directed all Bodaboda, bicycle garage to be stationed in Malith market which is three kilometres away from town centre.
Governor Dhuol ordered the Rumbek Central County commissioner, Abraham Mayen Kuc, to closely monitor the smoking of shisha, which has also been banned at local restaurants.
Last Friday governor Dhuol, ordered the immediate arrest of all young men suspected of taking part in recent violence between pastoralist groups in Rumbek East county.
(ST)