A village in Ba yesterday opposed the ban on smoking and alcohol consumption proposed in the draft village bylaws during consultations at the Nailaga Village hall.

District representative of Bulu (Mata Ni Tikina Bulu) Sairusi Nabeka proposed that the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs re-look at the proposed draft legislation dealing with smoking near the village hall.

“I agree with the ban of smoking in schools, but please consider the village hall since most villages have been provided a room near the village hall for smoking,” he said.

“For most of the villages they are provided a smoking room and they use that during gathering, not to forbid them from smoking near the hall, if they could just consider that.”

Mr Nabeka said the proposed ban would negate the current village set up where the room allocated for smoking would have to be removed from the vicinity of the hall which defeated the purpose of the room.

Mr Nabeka proposed that draft legislation also consider the ‘No Alcohol Ban’ in the village because people living in the village had different preference and the amount they consumed may vary.

“Although people drink alcohol they must maintain their behaviour and make sure to refrain from disturbing their neighbour’s peace or become abusive while drinking, but not to ban alcohol from the village,” he said.

Deputy Secretary Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Saimoni Waibuta said they would take up their concerns with the committee.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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