Port Moresby bans betel nut sales

There will be a complete ban on the sale of betel nut and plastic bags in public places throughout the National Capital District starting next year, Governor Powes Parkop said yesterday.

The NCDC board decision would effectively disallow the sale of these items in markets and on roadsides, The National reports.

Exceptions would be given to trade stores and tucker shops.

Parkop, a lawyer by profession, said betelnut vendors had themselves to blame for the ban.

"I thought vendors would reciprocate in cleaning up their rubbish.

"I wanted to help them but they spit in my face," Parkop said, referring to people spitting buai on his posters around the city.

"Betelnut vendors do not give a hoot about the city.

"They do not pay any taxes.

"They contribute to spreading bad habits."

He said plastic bags were an environmental hazard, especially clogging up city drains and polluting the seafront.

Parkop said he would personally go out onto the streets and tell city residents about the ban on the sale of betelnut and plastic bags.

City Hall officials were working on implementation mechanisms to effect the board’s decision.

When asked about the possibility of reviving the City Rangers concept and increasing community policing and street patrols to implement the ban, Parkop refused to elaborate.