Kava control

AUSTRALIA’S Northern Terri tory Government may impose restrictions on the sale of Kava.

The move follows reports that use of the ceremonial drink may cause liver dis function and weight loss.

In 1981, Kava was introduced on a large scale to Arnhem Land an area of the Territory mostly occupied by Aboriginal reserves where tribal lifestyles are still followed by many inhabitants.

Excessive consumption of alcohol by Aborigines (and whites) remains a prob lem in the Northern Territory and its capital, Darwin. It was thought Kava could be introduced as a substitute for

alcohol. The drink gives a pleasant feel ing without promoting the violent and aggressive behaviour so often associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Kava sells in the Territory in 270 gram packets of powder for about As3s.

It is classified by Australian authorities as a food rather than a drug and there fore its sale is not restricted. But some

Aboriginal communities have placed

their own bans on Kava following re ports of weight loss and liver problems.

The Territory government is consider ing possible legislative options to control the sale and use of Kava. A total ban is reportedly one of the options being ex amined, but Health Minister Steve Hat ton is known to believe an outright ban would not succeed. □