FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
FEBRUARY 13, 2023
LUSAKA CITY COUNCIL CHEERS ZAMBIAN BREWERIES SMART DRINKING AGENDA
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has strengthened its partnership with Lusaka City Council (LCC) to help mitigate the abuse of alcohol and call for responsible drinking.
Representatives from LCC and ZB this week signed a memorandum of understanding setting out a framework for collaboration on responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction initiatives throughout the year.
Among the initiatives planned are engagement with alcohol outlets, retailers and distributors on compliance and adherence to the Liquor Licensing Act of 2011 and National Alcohol Policy in order to encourage responsible alcohol trading, and measures to increase the awareness of consumers and underage youth on the potential harm of irresponsible alcohol consumption.
Her Worship the Mayor of the Great City of Lusaka Chilando Chitangala at the MoU signing called for enhanced partnerships between government and stakeholders in order to address issues surrounding alcohol abuse.
“I know very well that we have a challenge, as we have a lot of youths in the city that are abusing alcohol and drugs. But, when we have partners like ZB it is important that we work together, and we know we have stakeholders that care about our people, the youths in our communities,” said the mayor.
Zambian Breweries and the council aim to encourage other institutions to join the campaign and implement high impact initiatives to tackle alcohol issues.
“Beer brings people together. Beer is a category which is natural, local and inclusive. It has been embedded in various cultures and communities around the world for centuries. However, alcohol abuse is a topic that we are all concerned about, so Zambian Breweries has created a smart drinking agenda to help spread awareness on the dangers of irresponsible consumption of alcohol in local communities in line with government policy,” said said Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin.
“Zambian Breweries wants every experience with alcohol to be a positive one and is working across various sectors to disrupt harmful drinking and foster a culture of drinking smartly,” she added.
The company’s Better World (Sustainability) Manager Elaine Kafwimbi added: “In accordance to the brewing giant’s sustainability programs: “we have passionately put in place initiatives that influence social behaviour towards responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction.”
Lusaka City Council represents the interests of the people of the city. It is also the regulator of the alcohol business and aims to mitigate various negative consequences associated with harmful use of alcohol.
“The City Council has greatly contributed to our smart drinking agenda by providing solutions through education, awareness, creating open conversations and supporting initiatives that bring positive change in the community,” said Ms Kilpin.
And, Town Clerk Brighton Mbaimbai said stakeholder collaboration has proven to be the best way to implement responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction.
“This collaboration has brought the local authorities closer to the people; allowing a platform for distributors and wholesalers to explain their roles and various challenges they face. It has also made room for the local authority to explain its role in ensuring that both manufacturers and consumers are protected from any harm.”
Zambian Breweries’ smart drinking agenda supports the government’s efforts in implementing the National Alcohol Policy through emphasis on compliance and the sensitisation of consumers, bar owners, alcohol retailers and non-consumers alike on the harmful use of alcohol and underage drinking.
“In hand with our parent company AB InBev, we believe that we must all ‘come together’; consumers, manufacturers, retailers, government, as well as other stakeholders to achieve a shared goal of protecting the nation while ensuring that alcohol is enjoyed responsibly,” concluded Ms Kilpin.
-Ends-
About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle beer, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
For media inquiries please contact
Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd
+260 979 060705
info@langmead.com