Mpulungu District Commissioner Willie Simfukwe has issued a serious warning to tavern and bar owners that their premises risk closure if they continue admitting underage children and operating their businesses contrary to set down regulations.
Speaking when he addressed a meeting for heads of government departments, bar and tavern owners, marketers and other stakeholders, Mr. Simfukwe called for combined efforts to stop youths from drinking alcohol in Mpulungu.
District Administrative Officer Leonard Chiti, last week expressed concern at the high levels of alcohol drinking among the youths in the district, during a Health Communication Partnership (HCP) organized stakeholders meeting on alcohol abuse.
Mr. Simfukwe admitted that there had been a lot of serious cases of excessive alcohol consumption among youths in the district and cited a recent incident at one basic school where an intoxicated pupil grabbed a whip and canned his teacher in front of other pupils.
He described such unruly behaviour as saddening among the youths who are highly treasured and considered as future leaders.
Mr. Simfukwe also revealed that a group of senior citizens recently petitioned his office to act against alcohol abuse in underage children.
Simfukwe appealed to all stakeholders to put in their best in order to stop the scourge.
He cautioned proprietors of bars and taverns not to only concentrate on making profits but to also assist the youths build high moral standards.
And Council Secretary Ernest Sumani said alcohol abuse among youths in Mpulungu will only be successfully fought if law enforcement agencies intensify regular inspections in drinking spots.
But some parents spoken to today denied the allegations saying that it’s the council and state police who must instead be blamed for failure to police bar owners on barring underage children from entering their premises.
Mr. Sumani further went on to say that alcohol consumption is equally a source of concern in villages surrounding Mpulungu town where entire communities begin drinking as early as 06:00hrs completely forgetting about work and engagement in productive ventures.
He said headmen and chiefs should also sensitize their subjects on this serious matter.
Meanwhile Mpulungu Magistrate Miyato Muyambango pointed out that alcohol abuse has become a critical issue which is affecting almost every sphere in society.
Magistrate Muyambango told the meeting that he had recently tried a lot of defilement cases , in which most of the culprits have confessed committing offences while under the influence of alcohol.
The DC is right. Every society has the responsibility to keep children away from Alcohol abuse.
Good riddance
It is especially so after their final exams(9 & 12). These chaps become rude under the influence of alcohol. good idea to punish the bar owners but unfair as alcohol is easily accessible from any market stall or shop
akaso ba dc. Lekeni abana balelila before they die.
The articles are getting better. This is what a leader is supposed to do. Imagine this is where it is the grass roots. Implement this in Lusaka and it spreads like wild fire to the rest of the nation. A certain Ian Khama increased the taxes on all alcoholic beverages early this year, his act was posted on BBC have your say. Guess where half of the comments came from; all but a few critisising his move. Yes if you guessed Zambia you trully are gifted. Arguing that other African leaders would follow the trend. Like it it was a bad thing if that happened. Reduce beer consumption, work harder and we have won quarter of the battle against poverty in our beloved country.
Something needs to be done. Balenwa sana
DhOOuw