The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration has extended the ban on alcohol sale for another 14 days through June 24 as it strengthens measures to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

All state and private markets, marts and depots are banned from selling and distributing alcohol while restaurants, food stalls, cafeterias are also barred from serving alcoholic drinks to their customers.

In explaining the extension, provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phirom said the community outbreak of Covid-19 has not subsided with news cases still being detected. He said the ban was found to be effective in discouraging people from gathering for drinks, as was often the case before the restrictions were imposed.

“With no alcohol available for sale, people do not go out [for drinks]. With the ban, they become more responsible and don’t sell or consume alcoholic beverages. At least it can help us slow the spread of Covid-19,” he said.