E-Malt.com News article: Zimbabwe: New National Alcoholic Policy cracks down on beer sales

Zimbabwe’s government is set to come up with a raft of regulations that will see supermarkets, shops and bottle stores only being allowed to sell alcoholic drinks between 6am and 7pm, while the selling of beer will be banned after midday on Sundays, The Standard communicated on October, 10.

The new National Alcoholic Policy launched last week is set to have far-reaching effects on the sale of beer and related drinks in the country.

According to the draft policy proposed by former Health and Child Welfare minister, Timothy Stamps, shops will be barred from selling alcohol to “visibly pregnant women and people who are deemed to be already drunk. Selling alcohol to minors will also be banned”.

Stamps is now President Robert Mugabe’s special adviser on health issues.

The new regulations may also see the import of foreign beers being banned, as they do not carry the message which is envisaged by the government.

All alcoholic beverages are supposed to carry a warning that states that: “The operation of machinery or driving after the consumption of alcohol is not advisable.”

However, the labelling on imported beer is different and that may see its importation being regarded as illegal.

All alcoholic beverages are to be packaged in containers which are clearly distinct from soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages and water, and shall in no way confuse the consumer.

The new regulations also bar the mentioning of alcoholic drinks in advertisement for family events, sporting fixtures and educational material.

The alcohol industry is important to Zimbabwe and at one time it was reported that taxes on beer and cigarettes were holding up the economy.


13 October, 2010