IN a rather strange development, Arusha Regional Commissioner Daudi Felix Ntibenda has retracted his directive to ban locally brewed sachet-packed cheap liquor (Viroba), saying he was misquoted.
“What I actually meant was that, these
sachet alcoholic drinks should not be taken during work hours,” said Mr
Ntibenda during the occasion to receive a consignment of donated school
desks from one of the local timber firms here.
“Viroba, that are cheaply available have
been intoxicating the local youth into stupor, rendering them useless
as workforce because they have been found to consume these cheap
packaged liquor with abandon and relish from morning to evening,” said
the Regional Commissioner.
“I still direct district commissioners,
council directors, ward executives and the police to ensure that no bar
or pub sells liquor during work hours and these should be opened at 5.00
pm during week days and noon on weekends,” maintained Mr Ntibenda.
He also ordered that, ordinary grocery
shops operating in residential areas must not stock or sell alcohol
because they are not permitted to deal with such products and already
there are pubs and bars licensed for that.
“Traders and business people in all
districts of Arusha should adhere to their operating licences, if yours
indicates that it is for grocery store, foodstuffs and commodities, how
comes you get to sell beer?” he asked.
The RC also used the occasion to warn
members of the police force here who have been reported to misuse the
commissioner’s directive in soliciting bribes from local traders and bar
owners.
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