Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has defended the Government’s new rule requiring all kava bars to close by 1am, saying the move aims to restore productivity, protect public safety, and encourage family time.
“All late nights erode productivity the following work-day,” the Prime Minister said in his A Conversation with the PM weekly column.
All venues that serve yaqona are now subject to the same 1am curfew as nightclubs — a uniform regulation that government authorities are enforcing nationwide.
“This is being enforced to keep everyone and our streets safe,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said the decision was not only about safety, but about shifting national habits toward more balanced, responsible lifestyles.
“Hopefully early closure of alcohol or yaqona bars will get many of us to spend more time at home with our family and loved ones.”
Taking aim at late-night kava drinkers, Mr Rabuka did not mince words.
“Some people finish from the kava barrel and go look for the kava bar afterwards,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says the new closing hours for kava bars were consistent with the Government’s push to align all venues with nightclub trading times.
He says the move was also aimed at keeping the streets and the public safe.
