A new regulation is under review that aims to redefine the legal parameters for the licensing, production, circulation and selling hours of high-strength alcoholic drinks in Mozambique. The proposal forms part of a government effort to tighten control over this segment of trade, currently marked by social and public health concerns.
The information was given last Friday by Inocêncio Impissa, the Government’s spokesperson, who also announced the temporary suspension of the issuing of new licences. According to Impissa, this measure is intended to allow a thorough reorganisation of the sector, involving different levels of administration and the security forces.
As part of this review process, a multisectoral commission – made up of the National Inspectorate of Economic Activities (INAE), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) and the Municipal Police (PM) – carried out an inspection operation that resulted in the seizure of 5,655 units of high-strength alcoholic drinks, with an estimated value of 350,130 meticais. All this material will be destroyed.
The action also led to the closure of 137 commercial establishments located near schools, in a clear attempt to protect minors from early exposure to alcohol consumption.
