M.P. cautions against ‘industrial spirit’ sold as alcohol
The Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, has been asked to look into the emergence of new alcohol products locally produced.
The call came from former Speaker of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, who said these alcohol products are wreaking havoc on families and young people.
He suggested that people who get intoxicated from them are responsible for a number of domestic violence incidents reported to the Police.
“These bottles are not alcohol,” he said. “They are not vodka, they are basically industrial spirit that shouldn’t even be available out there.”
La’auli urged the Minister of Health to please look into and make sure there products are safe for public consumption.
He added that one of the biggest problems is that members of the public have easy access to these spirits because they are widely available and cheap.
“Can we find out who is bringing these into Samoa?” he asked.
“These things are cheap but they pose a big risk to our country in the long run.”
Laauli made the call when he addressed Parliament on the 2018/2019 budget.