POLICE are calling on village heads to closely monitor drinking parties after seven deaths were recorded last year linked to overconsumption of homebrew.
Police chief of operations Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Maretino Qiolevu said they would keep a close watch on the over-indulgence of homemade alcoholic beverages.
He said homebrew was a dangerous drink and was not sanctioned like other licensed alcoholic beverages.
ACP Qiolevu said village headmen had been reminded to monitor youths who mixed homebrew in their community.
“We will be monitoring that, especially those who are in the village — this is part of our preparation in the festive season,” he said.
ACP Qiolevu said the dangerous thing about homebrew was the alcohol content in it.
“It is different from beers and other drinks.
“This is what makes it very dangerous and harmful to human beings.
“We will be closely monitoring them as well.
“Village headmen have been informed of this and they will be contacting us, especially those in the remote areas.”