Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Liquor retailers worry new crime law could enable police misconduct
Licensed liquor dealers have expressed concerns that proposed organised crime legislation could be exploited by police to extort free alcohol from their outlets. The worries emerge as police deny allegations of demanding complimentary bottles from licensed establishments.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lanka Association of Liquor Licensees has raised alarm over how police might wield expanded powers under proposed organised crime legislation, citing what members characterise as a pattern of informal demands for free liquor from retail outlets.
The Police Department has rejected these allegations as baseless, with officials threatening legal action against association president Ajith Udugama for making what they describe as false and fabricated claims. Police spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler stated categorically that the allegations lack merit.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between law enforcement and the licensed liquor trade over operational practices and potential regulatory overreach. Licensed dealers have expressed concern that new legislative powers could be misused to pressure businesses into providing complimentary stock without proper justification or documentation.
The controversy emerges as parliament considers the proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill, which would grant police expanded investigative and enforcement authority. Industry representatives fear inadequate safeguards in the legislation could leave businesses vulnerable to abuse by officers seeking informal payments or goods.
Neither the association nor police have indicated movement toward resolving the underlying dispute, with the standoff complicating discussions around the proposed legislation's implementation.