The Joint Committee of Trade & Health has called on Parliament to reject the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023, arguing that it fails to effectively address critical issues within the alcohol industry. The bill, introduced to combat rising alcohol abuse and its societal consequences, has been criticized for falling short in several key areas.
Sylvia Nayebare, Chairperson of the Trade Committee, highlighted the bill’s deficiencies.
“The proposed legislation does not adequately address major challenges such as alcohol abuse, quality control, and enforcement mechanisms,” Nayebare said.
“While it may be necessary to regulate the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drinks, the Bill in its current form fails to tackle issues like illicit trade, personal freedoms, and the economic impact on the industry. We need to find a balance that protects public health without unduly infringing on individual rights and government revenue.”
Key Proposals of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023
Licensing and Regulation:
- Licensing Requirements: Manufacturers and importers of alcoholic beverages must obtain licenses from the Industrial Licensing Board and additional approvals from local authorities, including Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks.
- Sales Restrictions: Sales of alcoholic drinks are restricted to certain hours: no sales before 5:00 PM or after 10:00 PM on weekdays, and on public holidays, sales are prohibited before noon and after midnight. Supermarkets and depots are permitted to sell alcohol from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while licensed tourist camps, nightclubs, and theaters are exempt from these restrictions.
Health and Safety Measures:
- Minimum Drinking Age: The bill proposes raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years.
- Advertising Regulations: It bans misleading advertising and requires health warnings on alcoholic products, including calorie content and alcohol grams.
- Public Consumption: The bill restricts alcohol consumption in public service vehicles and bans sales at petrol stations.
Packaging and Sales:
It bans the sale of alcohol in sachets or plastic bottles and prohibits importing drinks in packages smaller than 500ml.
The bill prohibits employing children in establishments involved in the manufacture, sale, or consumption of alcohol.
Penalties:
Individuals selling alcohol outside the stipulated hours may face fines of up to Shs20 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Critics, including the Uganda Manufacturers Association, argue that the bill disproportionately targets the formal sector, potentially harming businesses while neglecting the informal sector, which is a significant part of the economy.
Despite its comprehensive approach, the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023 has been criticized for its failure to adequately address the challenges faced by Uganda’s alcohol industry.
Uganda; The “Drunkest” Place in Africa
According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data, Uganda has the highest per capita alcohol consumption in Africa with Ugandans consuming an average of 12.21 litres of pure alcohol per person annually. This is much higher than the African region average of 6.3 litres and the global average of 6.18 litres.
Men consume significantly more alcohol than women in Uganda. Men drink an average of 19.93 litres per year compared to 4.88 litres for women.
Uganda is ranked 5th globally in per capita alcohol consumption based on the upcoming WHO report.
