19 November 2009
COPPERBELT Permanent Secretary Villie Lombanya has challenged the liquor licensing board to ensure they address alcohol abuse by the under-age children in the province.
Mr Lombanya said the board should come up with programmes to prevent the abuse of beer and ensure liquor traders complied with the liquor licensing Act.
The permanent secretary was speaking during the official opening of board induction meeting in the Kitwe Council committee room yesterday.
Mr Lombanyana said traders violating the act should not only have their merchandise confiscated but should also be prosecuted and trading licence withdrawn.
He said it was necessary that the Lquor Licensing Act was combined with the Public Order Act because some of the liquor premises were not fit and safe for human beings.
Mr Lombanya said it was unfortunate that the board had not done well in addressing alcohol abuse.
The board should instead do more to resolve the abuse of alcohol by children.
"It had to take the head of State to direct local authorities on the need to stop our teenagers from patronising bars and abusing beer with impunity and yet the board such as this one have that mandate," he said.
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