RETAILERS DECRY SACHET ALCOHOL BAN ENFORCEMENT

Retailers and other businesses in Nigeria’s alcohol distribution chain have raised concerns over the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol, saying the policy is affecting their businesses and livelihoods.

The affected traders said the enforcement has disrupted sales and created financial difficulties for businesses that depend on the products.

They called on relevant authorities to engage with retailers and distributors to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the policy.

Regulators and public health stakeholders have maintained that restrictions on sachet alcohol are intended to reduce harmful alcohol consumption and protect public health, particularly among young people.

Retailers, however, said enforcement should take into consideration the impact on legitimate businesses operating within the distribution chain.

Industry stakeholders urged authorities to provide clear guidelines and ensure that enforcement is carried out consistently across the market.

They also called for stronger engagement with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumer groups to address concerns and improve compliance.

Public health experts said effective regulation of alcohol products should be accompanied by public education and measures to discourage harmful consumption.

They noted that enforcement agencies need adequate resources to monitor the market and prevent banned products from being diverted into informal channels.

Retailers said they were willing to comply with regulatory requirements but wanted greater clarity on the rules and sufficient engagement with businesses affected by the ban.

Stakeholders said the policy could have wider implications for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other participants in the alcohol value chain.

They urged regulators to balance public health objectives with the need to minimise disruption to legitimate businesses.

The retailers called for continued dialogue with government agencies to find practical solutions to the challenges associated with enforcement of the sachet alcohol restrictions.