As Samoa enforced a temporary ban on alcohol sales and distribution during the general election period, some residents turned to producing and selling homemade brews. 

One anonymous distributor revealed that bottles are being sold for $10 per litre.

The government ban, which started Thursday, 28 August and ended Saturday morning, 30 August, is part of measures to maintain public order and safety during the election. Licensed venues, shops, and distributors have been ordered to halt alcohol transactions during this time.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer on condition of anonymity, the underground distributor described how simple the brewing process can be.

“All you need is sugar and potatoes,” they said. “Ferment it for a few days and it’s ready. People are lining up because they don’t want to miss out during the ban.”

Health officials are warning of the dangers of unregulated alcohol. Homemade brews can contain harmful contaminants such as methanol, which can cause serious health problems, including blindness, organ failure, and even death.

“These drinks are not tested or controlled,” a senior Ministry of Health official cautioned. “Consuming them is extremely risky and could lead to long-term health issues or fatalities.”

Police have also issued reminders that brewing and selling alcohol without a license is illegal. Enforcement teams are actively monitoring communities during the ban, though authorities admit it is difficult to track down every small-scale operation, particularly in rural areas.

Community leaders are urging people to think carefully about the risks. “People need to think about their families,” said one village elder. “It’s not worth risking your health or breaking the law just for a drink.”

Officials maintain that the restriction is necessary to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.

The distributors said it was a way to make a quick profit, while the health experts and law enforcement stressed that no amount of money or convenience is worth the potentially devastating health and legal consequences of consuming or selling unsafe, unregulated alcohol.