The Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs Naipote Katonitabua has stressed that the ministry is not imposing the proposed village by-laws but the consent will come from the villagers themselves after proper consultations.
Katonitabua says that the draft village by-laws states that consumption of alcohol shall be prohibited within the village boundary unless the Turaga ni Vanua consents to it.
It also says that it shall be prohibited to brew alcohol within a village.
When asked by Fijivillage whether it would be right to ban alcohol as some people may want to enjoy a few drinks with their family in the comfort of their own homes, Katonitabua says they are not imposing the alcohol ban but they are just taking back what has been proposed by different provinces and villages.
He says majority of the six provincial councils that they have visited have supported the proposed village by-laws and are asking for more consultations.
Katonitabua says the consultations are expected to be completed by April this year.
