Firms brewing illicit alcohol to be closed

By Sharon Siame

Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO has directed that companies found brewing illicit alcohol should be closed down.

Mrs. NALUMANGO says there are some drilling companies’ reportedly brewing illicit alcohol and that this is an abrogation of the licences.

She has since called on the Local authorities to re-enforce liquor control laws.

Mrs. NALUMANGO says the consumption of illicit alcohol in the country must be treated as a matter of national priority due to the harmful impact especially on young people.

Speaking during the Launch of the coalition against Illicit alcohol in Lusaka today, the Vice President said that according to statistics, approximately 70 percent of all alcohol consumed in Zambia is illicit.

Mrs. NALUMANGO said those under the age of 35 consume illicit alcohol more frequently.

And Local Government Minister GARY NKOMBO said the abuse of illicit alcohol needs to be urgently addressed as it is threatening the country.

Mr. NKOMBO said the future of the country is at stake as youths are also abusing illicit alcohol and called on the church to help curb the Vice.

Meanwhile, Coalition against Illicit alcohol Co-Chairperson MYRIAM SIDIBE said the abuse of illicit alcohol is a crisis and that there is need to enforce regulation.

Professor SIDIBE said that over 60 percent of adolescents in Zambia take illicit alcohol before attaining the age of 17 and that three out of four Zambians take junta every week.