The Governor of Papua New Guinea's National Capital District says he is considering introducing licences for betel nut vendors.
Powes Parkop recently enforced a ban on the sale of betel nut in Port Moresby as part of plans to clean up the city and clamp down on crime associated with betel nut sales and alcohol abuse.
Mr Parkop says he hopes to roll out a system to regulate the sale of betel nut in Port Moresby in about six months' time.
"In the long term we might work on licensing and regulating it so that it becomes a controlled type of activity rather than in the past where anybody can do it anywhere and anytime and the consequences were really dire for us, for our health and for public funds and expenses."
Powes Parkop says he will be collaborating with private partners to work on a licensing system for betel nut vendors that will not come at the expense of the public.
