Malawi government officially ban packaging, distribution and marketing of ‘liquor in sachets’ and warn closure and revocation of license of any business that goes against the new prescribed Liquor regulation.
The new regulation gives recommendations for appropriate quantities and packaging in which liquor should be produced, packaged, marketed and distributed.
According to a Ministerial statement delivered in the National Assembly on Friday, by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Tarcizio Gowelo on ‘Liquor Regulations’, apparently responds to demands that Alcohol in Sachets be prohibited following numerous health issues and socially dangerous actions it poses to consumers.
The new regulation prohibits package of liquor in plastic or anything sachets or other similar packaging and that, it is illegal to use industrial grade ethanol, or other non portable ethanol with intoxicating liquor.
Hon. Gowelo told the house that his ministry has now been mandated to regulate and ban sale of alcohol in sachets.
He said now the authorized packages for Clear Beer is glass bottles or aluminium bottle of 320 ml, in 200 ml glass bottles for Spirits, in 250ml cardboard box for Traditional beer, in 200ml glass bottles for Liquors, and in 300ml glass bottles for Ciders and Alcohol Pops.
“From now on we do not expect to see beer in sachets, it is prohibited” said Gowelo who assured that officers are on the ground for enforcement.
He said the penalties for any person convicted of an offense under these regulations are imprisonment to 12 month and forfeiture of license and also forfeiture of intoxicating liquor which was used for the purpose of the offense.
He added that any License issued under the Liquor Act for the manufacture, importation, export, sale or supply of intoxicating liquor, prohibited under the new regulation is revoked forthwith.
Ideality the regulation wants to discourage the minors from taking alcohol as it has been the case. It was reportedly that both primary and secondary school students were drinking alcohol during class time and there were number of absenteeism as well as school dropouts.
“Mr Speaker sir, the rationale for regulating the quantities and packaging is to increase the cost of liquor and hopefully deter purchasing and abusive drinking by minors.”
Said Gowelo; “The ultimate objective of these regulations is to curb the excessive drinking and the abuse of alcohol by majority of active population including the minors.”
The Minister expressed optimism that the new regulation will help to reduce health problems such as alcohol dependence, livercerosis, kidney failure and other injuries. He also said reported cases of socially dangerous actions such as drink and driving, gender based violence, family disruptions and diminished incomes through diversions, addictions, commission of crimes, juvenile delinquencies, child negligence, abuse and exploitation will be reduced.
Added Hon Gowelo; “Significant economic harms that comprised work related problems due to absenteeism and under performance reading to unemployment, homelessness, and reduced workplace productivity will also be reduced”
The statement came into the floor as an update following the court case between Malawi Bureau of Standards and some Liquor producers after earlier ban of alcohol in sachets.
“The regulations have been duly gazette and now they are effective for implementation and we do not expect to see any beer outlet selling beer in sachets or outside the new liquor regulation.” Confirmed Hon Gowelo in an Interview but said Companies have right to produce liquor but the quantities and packaging may be regulated”
He said his ministry has communicated to all local authorities to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to monitor that liquor manufactures abide to the regulations.
He also asked parents and communities to make sure that they support government in ensuring that the regulations are adhered to and that people of Malawi are protected.
Last year, concerned Malawians held protests and petitioned the National Assembly to pressure government ban packaging and distribution of alcohol in sachet. The group the petitioners observed that Alcohol in Sachets were easily accessible by minors such that cases of alcohol abuse and addiction were on the rise.
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