Calls are growing for the Government to strengthen enforcement of Vanuatu’s alcohol laws as concerns continue over underage access to liquor in communities.

The issue remains a common concern, particularly on weekends, with residents urging authorities to ensure businesses comply with the law and prevent alcohol from being sold to people under the legal drinking age.

One mother, who asked not to be identified, told VBTC News that underage drinking has become too easy because alcohol is affordable and accessible.

“With just VT1,000, young people who are underage can still buy alcohol because it is cheap.”

In 2022, the then Minister of Internal Affairs, Ismael Kalsakau, introduced the Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2022, which proposed tighter controls on illegal alcohol sales, including the use of national identity cards to verify that buyers are at least 18 years old.

VBTC News spoke with a bottle shop owner in Port Vila, who said staff always ask students to present identification before purchasing alcohol. However, the owner acknowledged that some underage drinkers use adults to buy alcohol on their behalf.

Under the Liquor (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2022, it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Businesses found breaching the law can face fines ranging from VT10,000 to VT25,000.

Chairman of the North West Efate Area Council, Chief Reuben Natamatewia, said underage drinking, along with marijuana and cigarette use, is becoming a growing concern in rural communities. He believes community safety teams and customary by-laws are needed to address the issue.

“Our customary by-laws will provide guidelines for chiefs and community safety teams to maintain peace within our communities. Any village that does not yet have customary by-laws should begin preparing them now so we can properly guide and educate our young people.”

Authorities are continuing to urge liquor licence holders to comply with the law and play their part in preventing underage access to alcohol, while communities are calling for stronger enforcement to better protect young people.