Businesses, vehicle owners warned of K1,000 fine

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday November 7th, 2013

 BUSINESSES and vehicle owners in Port Moresby will be fined K1,000 if they allow chewing of betel nuts in and around their properties, an official said.

Terence Moka, the executive officer of the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, said the Betel nut Control Law 2013 would be implemented.

Moka warned vendors and chewers that anyone caught selling and chewing betel nuts in public places would be fined on the spot.

“Most of the vendors are illiterates and they are a nuisance in the city. I urge them to stop this illegal activity or face the full force of the law,” Moka said.

Moka said Parkop was trying his best to keep the city clean and beautiful but a few “illiterates” thought that they were above the law.

“My office has given enough time, notice and made citywide awareness and I don’t understand why people are not listening and understanding simple instructions,” Moka said.

“The decision was final and made in the best interest of the city. Your only option is to go home or engage in other available activities in the informal sector.

“I urge owners of business houses in the city to keep a strict order on people entering their premises not to chew betel nut. 

“The National Capital District Commission Enforcement Unit will be out in full force. Shop owners failing to comply with this simple notice will pay a fine of K1,000.”

Public motor vehicle and taxi drivers are warned not to allow passengers to chew while in the vehicle.

“Our city will host many important international meetings and events and it is important for us to work together to keep our city safe, clean and beautiful,” he said.