Homebrew Alcohol in Papua New Guinea: Time for a Policy

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Despite its illegality, village-scale production of alcohol for sale and consumption is widespread in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Known almost universally in PNG as "Homebrew", there are also regional variants such as "Yawa" in East New Britain Province, named after the small, very sweet banana variety used in its production. 

To produce homebrew, cane sugar, baker's yeast and water are mixed together in a bowl, covered and allowed to ferment for at least two days. Fruits such as bananas or pineapples may be added to the fermenting mixture, depending on their availability and local tastes. Once fermentation ceases, the mixture is strained to remove any solid material and the fermented liquid is poured into a heat-resistant, narrow-necked container in preparation for the distillation process. Steel LPG gas bottles, predominantly 9kg and 14kg in size, are commonly employed for this purpose. The fermented liquid is carefully heated over a fire to produce distilled alcohol of various grades. In Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), clear homebrew spirit is known as "Pure", while the cloudy, less thoroughly distilled product is called "Smoke". 

If not done correctly, the distillation process may result in toxic compounds being included in the finished product, that have the potential to cause blindness or death of the consumer. Regular homebrew drinkers are therefore likely to buy their homebrew from a trusted producer to minimise the risk of poisoning.  Clear homebrew has the highest alcohol content and therefore commands the highest price. In Buka, a 600ml plastic bottle of homebrew commonly sells for PGK10.00.  Homebrew drinkers usually mix the spirit with store-bought cola or fruit cordial before consumption.

A major reason for the persistence of homebrew production in the AROB is the relatively high price of commercially produced alcohol. In Buka villages, a can of 4.5% alcohol beer typically costs PGK7.00 while a 375ml bottle of 50% proof spirits may cost as much as PGK50.00. Another reason why homebrew producers are prepared to risk arrest and conviction is that the production and sale of homebrew is a highly profitable venture in AROB's stagnant economy. 

The social and community health problems linked to the abuse of commercial alcohol and homebrew consumption in PNG are well documented.  These include, but aren't limited to, public disorder, domestic violence, rape, fist-fights, road accidents, deaths, medical complications, psychological problems and loss of income. The National Research Institute (NRI) Discussion Paper No.121 notes that alcohol and substance abuse is a growing challenge for the development of PNG because it is complex, prevalent, infectious, alluring, emulative, irresistible, destructive and costly*. 

Despite repeated efforts by AROB community leaders and the Bougainville Police Service to eliminate homebrew production, including the confiscation of gas bottle stills and arresting those involved, the practice continues unabated. In fact, the region-wide liquor ban in the AROB during the recent elections has reportedly led to increased homebrew production. On 9/7/2020, Radio New Zealand International quoted an election candidate, Helen Hakena, as saying that increased local alcohol production has resulted in an increase of gender-based violence. "There are a lot of drunkards moving around communities and they are causing greater concern to us because when people are campaigning, they shout and scream and disturb the candidates", Ms Hakena said. 

While the problems linked to homebrew production and consumption in PNG are well documented, much less is known about successful programmes to manage these problems. With the newly-elected Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) now in place, it would seem to be an ideal time for the ABG to comprehensively address alcohol abuse in the AROB, including homebrew production and consumption. When doing so, policy-makers would do well to address the ten key recommendations listed in NRI Discussion Paper No. 121: 1. Review of Liquor Laws; 2. Enforcement of Liquor Laws; 3. Develop a National Alcohol Policy; 4. Educate Students on Alcohol Abuse; 5. Conduct Public Awareness; 6. Introduce Behaviour Change Programs; 7. Maintain Information Database and Research; 8. Network with Key Stakeholders; 9. Focus on Youths; and 10. Protect Women and Girls.

*Unage, M.,2011. Addressing Alcohol Abuse in Papua New Guinea, Discussion Paper No. 121. Port Moresby: The National Research Institute.