New tough penalties have been proposed in Papua New Guinea for people who chew betel nut, smoke tobacco or spray paint in public places, according to a story in The National.
Offenders would incur fines of up to $US3,000 and jail terms of up to three years under a bill tabled in parliament on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill tabled the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill, saying it was about “public health and wellbeing”.
The bill covers all vehicles, government offices or private buildings that allow access to the public.
Not all of the bill, as reported, seemed to make sense. In part, it was said to be aimed at ‘banning smoking and the illegal trade of tobacco in public places’, which would raise a few questions.
Debate on the bill is expected to start when Parliament resumes sitting on November 6.
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