14 Aug 2017

Samoan attorney general supports alcohol tax increase

From , 5:03 am on 14 August 2017

Samoa's attorney general says he supports a proposed increase to tax on alcohol in order to thwart violent crime.

The recommendation was made in a report by the Law Reform Commission, which also called for stronger alcohol education and awareness programmes in the community.

Samoa's parliament is currently considering the Alcohol Control bill.

The attorney general, Lamella Herman Retzlaff, says he's backing the commission's report due to Samoa's high rate of serious criminal offences related to alcohol.

Lemalu told Sela Jane Hopgood the community must take action to reduce incident of alcohol fueled violence.

Samoa Attorney General Lemalu Herman Retzlaff

Samoa Attorney General Lemalu Herman Retzlaff Photo: twitter