The Government of Zambia has banned the manufacturing and sale of strong liquor sachets, commonly known as tujilijili. This statement was made by Local Government and Housing Minister Nkandu Luo at a press briefing in Lusaka on Sunday 15 April, reports The Times of Zambia.

 

The ban, which covers importation, distribution, stocking, and consumption of tujilijili, has come into effect immediately. Penalties for people who would contravene the ban, include a jail term of up to two years. Tujilijili, the small plastic sachets, typically containing 30 ml of strong liquor, have become a serious health concern in a number of African countries over the last years. They are sold at very low prices, often in unlicensed bars and frequently to minors. Local politicians, teachers and headmasters, youth leaders and religious leaders, all have frequently expressed their concern over youth and even children drinking these strong liquor shots. Further public outcry was caused by the fact that several people have died from consuming tujilijili in large quantities.

The discussion about tujilijili is not new in Africa. However, Zambia has now taken the lead in eradicating this problem by banning both the productions and sale of liquor sachets. The ban was announced on Sunday the 15th of April by Minister Luo, who for many years has been active in alcohol research and alcohol policies in Zambia.

“The youth in our country have abused this type of alcohol because they easily have access in terms of purchasing power and portability,” Minister Luo said.

Minister Luo has since signed a Statutory Instrument on ‘Liquor Licensing (intoxicating liquor quantities and packaging) regulation 2012 on the banning of tujilijili.’ She also said that any license issued in respect of manufacture, import, 
export, sale or supply of intoxicating liquor prohibited under the regulation has been revoked.

Source: ADD-Resources.org 04/16/12

Post Navigation