THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) plans to introduce a deliberate policy aimed at reducing underage beer drinking in Lusaka. The proposal once approved will compel members of the public to produce National Registration Cards (NRC) on purchasing alcohol in the City of Lusaka. A proposal by the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to introduce a policy that compels members of the public to produce National Registration Cards (NRC) on purchasing alcohol has cheered Lusaka parents.
This policy proposal by LCC is a deliberate move aimed at reducing underage beer drinking in Lusaka.
A parent and resident of Lusaka's Ngombe Township, Kunda Lwembe, welcomed the move by LCC and called on government to consider approving the proposal made by the local authority.
“The biggest problem is that children in most compounds are slowly becoming thugs and thieves due to alcohol abuse. Such a policy will ensure that only people above the age of 18 years will be able to purchase alcohol … this will decrease the number of underage alcohol abuse,” he said.
Mr. Lwambe however noted that it is the duty of every parent to discourage underage alcohol abuse in their homes.
Meanwhile, a Kalingalinga resident Luka Menga called on LCC to put strict measures and ensure bar owners adhere to the new proposal by the local authority once it is approved by government.
Mr. Menga added, “The other problem we are facing is that bars open as early as 07:00 hours. LCC should shut down all the night clubs that operate illegally and revoke licenses to bars that allow underage drinking.”
Meanwhile, LCC public relation manager Mulunda Habezu has called on members of the public to work hand in hand with the local authority in combating underage drinking.
He noted that parents and guardians have a duty to guide their children in every aspect of life because they interact with them on a daily basis.
Mr. Hebezu lamented that the local authority will continue sensitising members of the general public against underage drinking.
Lusaka parents happy with LCC’s proposal to combat underage drinking
