Colombo (News1st):  A special program will be implemented from today to prevent crimes pertaining to alcohol, narcotics and tobacco in line with the festive season, The Excise Department said.

This program will be carried out across the island, for a period of one week as per special instructions issued by the Excise-Commissioner, Spokesperson of the Excise Department, Kapila Kumarasinghe said.

Speaking to News 1st, Kumarasinghe 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 both today and tomorrow in line with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

However, this is not applicable to taverns and bars operating with liquor permits issued by the Tourist Board for hotels and boutique villas.

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