Govt red flags illicit brews, drugs in supermarkets
THE has raised concern GOVERNMENT over the proliferation of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages in local supermarkets in contravention of food standards regulations.
Investigations into the products will be launched soon.
Addressing the media yesterday, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni said the practice was worsening the abuse of illicit substances by young people.
“My ministry is mandated to improve consumer welfare and economic growth through the Consumer Protection Act, which, inter alia, is meant to protect consumers from the consumption of unsafe and hazardous products, including illicit drugs/alcoholic beverages illegally manufactured and some imported into the country,” she said.
“The ministry has noted with great concern that these substances are now available in ordinary supermarkets, grocery shops as well as tuckshops.
“This sad development has exacerbated drug and substance abuse among the youths as they now have easy access to these shops.”
Consumption of the substances, she added, has led to an increase in health-related problems and crime-related activities among young people.
“Sadly, I am informed that recently, in Bulawayo, a juvenile was stabbed to death over a minor dispute that could have been resolved amicably.
“To this end, the ministry calls upon all manufacturers of alcoholic beverages to adhere to Statutory Instrument 25 of 2001 on Food and Food Standards (alcoholic beverages) as well as the Trade Measures Act (Chapter14:23) in order to protect consumers from consumption of unsafe/hazardous goods.”
She urged retailers to desist from stocking and trading illicit alcoholic brews.
“The ministry shall be engaging responsible authorities, including the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, to investigate the contents of these illicit alcoholic beverages in order to fully inform the consumers.
“On its part, the ministry will intensify monitoring and investigative activities through the Consumer Protection Commission and trade measures to curb such practices.”
. . . liquor outlets are warned
Meanwhile, the Liquor Licensing Board (LLB) has warned that it will not hesitate to revoke operating licences
of liquor outlets violating terms of their permits by operating outside of prescribed times and selling illicit brews.
In statement issued through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the LLB, which is the regulator of the liquor industry in Zimbabwe, urged operators to comply with the terms of their licences “to avoid any conflicts or legal repercussions”.
“Over the past months, the board has observed that many liquor outlets are failing to adhere to stipulated operating hours,” reads the statement.
“It is important to note that the Liquor Licensing Board takes these violations seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any liquor outlet found to be in contravention of the law.
“This may include revoking the licence or imposing fines.”
Consumption of alcohol at bottlestore premises, said the board, was prohibited.
“No television, radio, amusement machine or any form of entertainment is allowed at a bottle store.
“Bars, beerhalls, restaurants, night clubs are sit-in establishments which allow for patrons to sit within the premises.”
Consumption of alcohol outside or in the vicinity of these establishment is also prohibited, added the LLB.
“The board is also concerned over the sprouting of unlicensed outlets that have become hubs of illicit brews.
“The board will continue to work with law-enforcement agents to ensure that culprits are arrested and prosecuted.”
The LLB encouraged those concerned by non-compliant liquor outlets to “report them to the board for appropriate action”.