"We know it's impossible for us to ban betel nut chewing, but at least we can educate the public about its potential for harm and further reduce the demand," he said.
The bureau has proposed that related authorities tackle the problem through a number of measures, such as by helping betel nut growers switch to other crops, importing betel nuts, banning betel nut growing on hillsides, controlling the hygiene of betel nut products, and managing the betel nut vending business by requesting operation licenses and levying taxes.
A betel nut retailer for over 10 years, a Mr Chung, who asked to remain anonymous, said profits could vary from season to season.
During the hot season -- from August to March -- he can sell about 1,000 to 2,000 nuts a day, making a daily net profit of between NT$2,000 and NT$3,000, or NT$90,000 a month.
However, during the off season, which runs from April to July, he sells only about 400 to 500 nuts a day. The daily net profit is about NT$500, or NT$15,000 a month.
Like smokers, curiosity drew Chung to begin chewing betel nuts some 10 years ago. Even though he is aware of the risks involved, he still chews about 100 nuts a day.
"The advantages outweigh the disadvantages," he said. "It helps your digestive system and is good for the liver."
Medical proof
Cheng Shih-jung (
"From the medical point of view, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits," he said. "Betel nut chewers not only develop oral cancer but also other oral diseases such as oral submucous fibrosis and teeth attrition." According to Cheng, 95 percent of oral cancer patients have a history of betel nut chewing.
Cheng said he personally embraces the ban but he thinks harsher punishments should be imposed.
"As a betel nut chewer myself, I strongly oppose youngsters developing such a habit at an early age," he said. "Those who sell betel nuts to children should receive severe fines plus jail terms so they know it's not worth it to risk breaking the law at the expense of undermining youngsters' lives." However, Cheng questioned the government's determination to implement the law.
"We've seen it too often that we have a good law passed, but eventually it's not carried out thoroughly," he said.
New Party city councilor Chin Li-fang (
"For example, the government should demand vendors obtain an operation license first ... to make it easy for the police to track down any possible infringements," she said.
DPP city councilor Wang Shih-chien (王世堅), said that he thinks the bylaw is redundant.
"What matters to me is whether the laws are actually implemented, not the number of laws we have altogether," he said. "Besides I doubt the feasibility of the implementation because the police have way too many things to take care of."
RSS