Reopening of bars cheers Zambian Breweries

THE partial reopening of bars and night clubs will have a trickle own effect in supporting the agriculture value chain, Zambian Breweries Country Director, Jose Moran has noted.

Mr Moran explained that this was so because Zambian Breweries supported local farmers by buying cassava and other crops to produce alcohol.

Zambian Breweries buys cassava, sorghum and barley, which are key ingredients in the company’s brands such as Mosi, Castle, Castle Lite and Eagle lagers.

Mr Moran said in a statement that the company remained committed to contributing to job creation, agro- processing and manufacturing through the production of clear beer.

“As these outlets begin to open up to the public, Zambian Breweries will continue to ensure that it meets the demand from its retailers and distributors, as well as continue supporting partnerships that increase opportunities to grow the economy and keep it running even in the new normal,” he said.

Mr Moran said the company would continue engaging patrons and stakeholders, encouraging them to be a big part of the solution by adhering to the government directive such as masking, social distancing and sanitising.

“We are also aware of the negative impact COVID-19 has had on owners of bars, taverns and night clubs, and we share their pain because they play a key role in the growth and overall success of the company,” he said.

President Edgar Lungu on Friday last week announced the partial reopening of outlets on a pilot basis from Fridays to Sundays from 16:00 hours to 23:00 hours.

President Lungu said that he recognised the suffering that owner of bars, taverns and night clubs had experienced since the closure, and he was also aware of the suffering of their employees and related businesses.

Mr Moran