Court orders removal of safari selling alcohol near Ukulhas

Zed Cruiser safari in Ukulhas harbor. -- Photo: Ukulhas council

Zed Cruiser safari in Ukulhas harbor. -- Photo: Ukulhas council

Alif Alif Ukulhas magistrate court has ordered a safari selling alcohol to leave the island’s harbor within 24 hours.

Some islanders had last week angrily protested amidst allegations that the safari was selling alcohol to inhabitants of the island.

“We received several complaints saying that the safari was providing alcohol to people on the island,” Ukulhas council president Shaukath Ibrahim told Adhadhu.

Despite the complaints, the safari entered the island’s harbor without the council’s permission prompting an angry reaction from some people.

Last week, protesters blocked the main gate of the council office with a small boat and blocked the entrance to the harbor.

Boat blocks entrance to council office.
Boat blocks entrance to council office.

Boat blocks entrance to council office.

Some tourists who were holidaying on the popular local island were unable to travel to the airport and missed their flight out of the country.

According to the Ukulhas businesses which operate the rented safari, they brought the safari close to the island to repair work.

However, the council decided to seek a court order for “Zed Cruiser” removal because they did not get permission before entering the harbor.

It is unlawful to sell alcohol on the inhabited islands of Maldives. But there are some safaris selling alcohol to tourists staying in guesthouses on these islands.

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