The Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA) in the Morobe province has called for a complete ban on sales of cheap alcohol, which it says is fueling law and order problems in the community. District MP, Marsh Narewec alongside local leaders, has emphasized that the availability of low-cost, locally made alcohol is harming youths and straining community resources. “These drinks are cheap and accessible to young people. Instead of spending their lunch money in school, they’re buying alcohol,” the MP said when highlighting that cheap alcohol is now easily accessible by school aged children. The DDA had previously implemented a liquor ban in the district, but the provincial liquor licensing board lifted it. The MP is now petitioning the Morobe Governor and the board to reinstate the ban, citing the rising cost of dealing with alcohol-related problems, such as police response and medical expenses. “We spend more on fixing issues caused by alcohol than the province earns in revenue from it. This isn’t worth it,” he said.