Surabaya to Have Law on Alcoholic Drinks

Surabaya, East Java (Antara) - The city of Surabaya will have a law on alcoholic drinks expected to reduce criminal offenses triggered by strong drinks, a member of the city council said. Alcoholic drinks are so easily available in Surabaya and police have attributed most criminal offenses in the country's second largest city to strong drinks, chairman of the Council's special committee for the bill Blegur Prijanggono said here on Wednesday. Blegur said he was prompted to take the initiative to propose the bill after seeing the negative effect of alcoholic drinks in the city especially on the city's youngsters. "After the proposal was discussed by the city legislative body together with the city government a special committee was formed for law on strong drinks with me as the chairman," he said . Currently debate on the city bill is almost wrapped up and a decision with approval is expected in March, he said Under the bill alcoholic drinks may be sold only at 3 star and higher class hotels, entertainment centers such as karaoke and bars and expatriates' houses. Strong sanction would be imposed on shops or modern retailers found selling strong drinks , he said. (*)