Reverend Siaosi Salesulu
Hon. Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers
Chief Justice and Judiciary
President and Members of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industries
Chief Executive Officers of government ministries
Members of the Alcohol Control Board
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the Official Launch of the First Alcohol
Standard Guidelines for Samoa.
Today marks a pivotal moment in Samoa’s journey towards responsible alcohol
consumption and manufacturing. One of the functions of the Alcohol Control Board is to
ensure the well-being and safety of all members of our society.
When the government set out to implement its goals under its Pathway for Strategic
Development Plan for a healthier and safer Samoa, the Alcohol Control Board came to
face one of its biggest challenges: the absence of clear guidelines to assist the Board in
its work, more importantly, in controlling alcohol in view of the Alcohol Control Act 2020.
The main focus of the Alcohol Standards Guidelines is to provide a guide for the Board in
administering the Alcohol Control Act including its powers on the administrative and
enforcement fronts. It is also an important document that clearly states the requirements
and compliance conditions for all types of alcohol licenses stipulated in the Act.
The vision of the government through its strategic plan is to “Foster social harmony, safety
and freedom for all’. This is also the Board’s priority. And these guidelines will provide a
step forward and further the government’s response to addressing alcohol-related
concerns.
We will work together with government agencies and Ministries, the private sector, Police
and our court administration, law enforcement, and the people of Samoa to ensure that
Samoa does not fall into an alcohol-lead crisis. We encourage all government agencies
including the Ministries, courts, police, manufacturers, to continue to collect and maintain
data and document updated and relevant information and statistics to aid, monitor and
evaluate our work in the future

It is with great pride and conviction that I announce the launch of comprehensive alcohol
standards and guidelines for manufacturers, consumers, and enforcement agencies alike.
To our manufacturers: your role in shaping societal norms and behaviours cannot be
understated. The guidelines we unveil today are not meant to stifle innovation or growth
but to foster a culture of responsibility. We call upon you to prioritise quality over quantity,
to label your products and document your processes transparently, and to join us in
educating consumers about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
To alcohol consumers: your health and safety are paramount. These guidelines are not
intended to infringe upon personal freedoms and choice but rather to empower you with
knowledge and support. We urge you to heed the recommended limits, to recognize when
moderation is necessary, and to seek help if alcohol begins to negatively impact your life
or the lives of those around you.
Enforcement and compliance agencies play a vital role in upholding these standards. We
will provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that these guidelines are
effectively implemented and enforced.
Together, we will work tirelessly to create a culture where responsible alcohol
consumption is the norm, not the exception.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Alcohol Control Board for their diligent
work in compiling and finalizing these guidelines. In particular the work of SROS, the OAG,
the Ministry of Health, Finance, Police, Chamber of Commerce, professional members of
the community on the board, CEO of Revenue & Customs, our Alcohol Inspectors and the
Board’s secretary.
I also extend my thanks to the Hon. Prime Minister and Cabinet for their endorsement, and
to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of the First Alcohol
Standard Guidelines for Samoa. Especially those who have supported our work in the past
three years.
In conclusion, let us embark on this journey together, united in our commitment to the
well-being of our communities.
By adhering to these standards and guidelines, we can create a safer, healthier, and more
prosperous Samoa for generations to come.
Thank you.