New tough penalties have been proposed in Papua New Guinea for people who chew betel nut, smoke or spray paint in public places.
sign about the betelnut ban in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The National newspaper reports the offences would incur fines of up to $US3000 and jail terms of up to three years under a bill tabled in parliament yesterday.
The 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 which allow access to the public.
It's aimed at banning betelnut chewing and trading in public places, banning smoking and the illegal trade of tobacco in public places as well as banning the use of spraypaint on public property.
A woman in Papua New Guinea selling betel nut and accessories by the roadside. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Mr O'Neill said it's become a huge problem in PNG's towns.
Debate on the bill is expected to start when Parliament resumes sitting on November 6.