New Caledonia's kava bars will be allowed to open tomorrow after an order to stay shut because of the Covid-19 outbreak was reversed.
The government and the French High Commission changed their mind after an outcry by kava bar owners who said the ban was unfair and incomprehensible because restaurants and other bars were open.
For nakamals to operate, they also must offer table service and ensure social distancing while limiting guest numbers to 50.
A sector interest group, La Voie du Kava, welcomed the change but said it still hoped to have discussions with the government about access to crisis-related loan schemes.
It had earlier said that hundreds of people's livelihoods depended on the kava sector and it wondered whether nakamals were being treated less favourably because they had less of a European style.
The group also noted that according to a 2005 study, almost 40 percent of kava consumers stop drinking alcohol which ravaged homes and impacted the road toll.
It also said there was no other structure than the nakamal which welcomed people of all classes and ethnicities without there being any trouble.
It said amid the social and inter-ethnic tension in New Caledonia, the nakamals appeared to be places of meditation and acceptance.
La Voie du Kava Photo: supplied FB
