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During a parliamentary session on February 29, a coalition of farmers and bar owners emphasized the importance of addressing pressing national issues such as unemployment and corruption before implementing additional regulations on alcohol consumption.
Appearing before the Committees on Health and Trade, stakeholders expressed their reservations regarding the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, which proposes restrictions on alcohol sales hours and stringent licensing requirements for bars and production plants.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Tororo Woman MP, Ms. Sarah Opendi, aims to curtail alcohol consumption by limiting sales hours and imposing strict location regulations, raising concerns among industry stakeholders about its potential impact on the economy and employment.
The Legit Entertainment, Bars, and Restaurant Owners’ Association, representing over 2,400 establishments nationwide, urged Parliament to address the underlying factors driving excessive alcohol consumption before enacting legislation that could adversely affect livelihoods.
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Ms. Phina Mugerwa, General Secretary of the Uganda Musicians Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to prioritize more significant societal challenges.
In response to the proposed limitations, bar owners proposed an alternative approach, suggesting extended operating hours to mitigate economic losses while still addressing public health concerns.
The delicate balance between economic benefits and health risks posed by alcohol consumption underscores the complexity of the bill sponsored by Ms. Sarah Opendi.
According to the Private Sector Foundation, the alcohol sector is a significant contributor to the country’s tax revenue, highlighting the potential economic implications of stricter regulations.
Mr. Henry Mugara Musinguzi, Chairperson of the Barley Farmers Association, cautioned against further regulation, citing potential adverse effects on agricultural livelihoods and employment in rural communities.
Proponents of the bill argue that unregulated alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, particularly among the youth, contributing to addiction and various non-communicable diseases, including cancer.
Experts from the Uganda Cancer Institute recently identified alcohol as one of the leading causes of cancer in the country, underscoring the need for measures to address its harmful effects.
Representatives from the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association urged Parliament to focus on combating illicit alcohol production and distribution, which evade taxation and quality control standards, posing significant public health risks.
Amidst debates over alcohol regulation, stakeholders emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that addresses both economic considerations and public health concerns, ensuring a balanced and effective policy response to alcohol consumption in Uganda.
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