Ndola City Council confiscates liquor from unlicensed traders

The Ndola City Council says it has confiscated hundreds of liquor commodities being sold in illegal locations by traders without licenses.

Tilyenji Mwanza the Public Relations Manager for Ndola City Council said the move was aimed at curbing escalating levels of underage drinking in the city.

She said the alcohol confiscated include; Mosi, Castle, Eagle lager, win WWH, Ginger Sky, Johnneys, Kankoyo, Kantobo, Chibuku Shake Shake, Bols, Right Choice, Officers among other brands.

“The Local Authority’s department of Public Health with council police moved in and confiscated hundreds of boxes of alcohol being sold in illegal locations by persons without liquor licenses. The Local Authority noted that many people have been selling alcohol illegally in areas such as bus stops without trading licenses making the beverage easily accessible to persons underage,” she said.

“According to the Liquor Licensing Act No. 20 of 2011 Section 27 Regulation of Sale of Intoxicating Liquor prohibits the sale of liquor without a license, whilst section 29 prohibits sale and consumption of liquor during unpermitted hours. And section 32 prohibits consumption of liquor in places not licensed whilst 35 prohibits employing children in liquor licensed premises with 36 prohibiting the restriction on sale and delivery of liquor to children.”

She has since warned people involved in the illegal vice saying they will face the wrath of the law.

“The Local Authority is therefore warning those involved in the illegal vice to stop or will face full wrath of the law. The Council has also received some complaints of underage drinking and drug abuse parties taking place in some locations in the city and would like to warn those involved in organizing and attending them that we will soon catch up with them. The Mayor Mr Chisenga has announced that the Local Authority will be working with police to ensure that those involved are arrested and prosecuted.

“His worship noted that underage and binge drinking is risky and can lead to car accidents, violent behavior, alcohol poisoning, and other health problems. He said drinking at a young age greatly increases the risk of developing alcohol problems later in life.”