NGO calls for complete ban of sachets

A Mzimba-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Youth Net and Advocacy (Yonea), has called on government to ban liquor sachets as one way of helping the youth to grow into useful citizens.

The organisation said the current import duty hike in the excess of  200 percent on liquor is not enough to discourage the youth from drinking; hence, the need for government to just ban the sachets.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, Yonea executive director Christopher Melele said the youth still easily access the sachets.

He said the sachets are also being sold in shops that are not even alcohol registered outlets.

“So, in view of this, government should put the interest of young people at heart by banning these life-threatening sachets. This would help youths to continue with their education and contribute positively to the development of the country,” said Melele.