Special programme for New Year: Excise Dept

COLOMBO (News 1st): A special programme will be implemented from Tuesday (Apr. 13) onwards to prevent crimes pertaining to alcohol, narcotics and tobacco in line with the festive season, the Excise Department said. "This programme will be carried out across the island, for a period of one week as per special instructions issued by the Excise-Commissioner," Kapila Kumarasinghe, the Spokesperson of the Excise Department told News 1st on Monday (Apr. 12). Kumarasinghe further requested the general public to provide any information with regard to the sale of alcohol and production via the 24-hour hotline 1913. All taverns and bars must remain closed on both Tuesday (13) and on Wednesday (14) in line with the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year. However, this rule is not applicable for taverns and bars operating with the alcohol permits issued by the Tourist Board for hotels and boutique villas.