New Hebrideans
p. 20 · Read in the full issue
Can Drink
The ban on New Hebrides natives drinking intoxicating liquor has been relaxed. In a joint statement, British and French Resident Commissioners of the Condominium have an nounced that in future New Heb rideans, of either sex, over 21, will be able to buy beer or wine, from off-licences, for drinking at home; will be able to drink beer or wine at public functions where liquor is served; and be able to drink beer or wine with meals in licensed restaurants. How ever, they will not be able to drink in bars, and all cases of public drunkenness will be pro secuted “with vigour”.
The statement said the relaxa tion was an interim measure and the position would be reviewed during the year. It added that it should be “an aim of policy to remove restrictions on the con sumption of alcohol by natives entirely in due course”.
The statement follows findings of a committee set up in 1960 to advise on New Hebrides liquor policy.