Most fatal road accidents in Tonga this year link to consumption of alcohol

Radio Tonga reports Tonga Police Commissioner, Stephen Caldwell is urging the government and stakeholders to address the issue of alcohol harm in Tonga. 

This follows the dramatic spike over the months of June and July with 13 deaths related to alcohol consumption.

He says the problem is accessibility and over consumption of alcohol. 

A workshop is currently underway in Nuku'alofa to increase the understanding of the problems and to work out achievable solutions together.  

It also aims to provide a brief on the provisions of intoxication liquor act, the role of the liquor licensing authority, the responsibilities under the law for the liquor license holders and a collective strategy to reduce the incidence of alcohol related harm in our communities. 

“We cannot ignore the costs of this behaviour to our county in health, courts, education and to the individual and their families.  It is time to do something, said Commissioner Caldwell.

Police had launched its operation safe street as a proactive initiative to prevent crime and to protect the public. 

As a result over the previous weekends there has been 330 arrests made mainly for drunk and disorderly behaviour in Nuku'alofa.

Photo: File