By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO

Some of the restrictions on kava consumption imposed on members of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma are now being put on hold.
This decision was made following discussions held by the church’s Standing Committee.
The 24-hour kava ban remains while others previously announced by the church president, Dr Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu, have been put on hold until next year’s annual general meeting.
Church general secretary Reverend Tevita Banivanua said the Standing Committee decided that the motions on the bans should be passed down to the circuits for discussions before the next general meeting.
“Only the Sunday ban remains in force for the church members until the next annual general meeting where it will be brought before the delegates,” Reverend Banivanua said.
In an earlier interview, Reverend Banivanua said there was some confusion in relation to the ban that was announced.
This was because of the contradicting statements made at the meeting by the church president compared to statements published in the media.
Four bans imposed by Reverend Waqairatu are:
n  A 24-hour kava ban on Sundays;
n  No drinking kava in all church premises;
n  No ‘iluva ni tai’ (a kava session held after a church service); and
n  No selling of kava in all church premises.
All church ministers and members, once ordained, are to refrain from drinking kava.