The government is now working on a model of reintroducing low-priced but healthy and affordable alcoholic drinks as one of the ways of eradicating illicit brew on the market, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced.
Speaking on Monday, March 25, during an interview, Gachagua disclosed that under the model, the government would also address taxation, which impedes the production of cheaper but healthy brands.
According to Gachagua, talks are ongoing with a leading alcoholic beverages manufacturer over the production of the low-priced beverage.
“We have asked the manufacturer to start a cheap, healthy, and affordable alcoholic drink. We will address the taxation issue. The main problem is on the portable spirits, whose alcohol level is extremely high and toxic- which have ruined families. As a government we have a responsibility to eradicate the illicit brews,” remarked the Deputy President.
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Gachagua also noted that legitimate businesses would not be affected by the ongoing crackdown by the government against illicit brews.
“Legit businesses will not be affected by the crackdown. Bar owners must unite and work with the government in eradicating the rogue traders and manufacturers producing the killer drinks. Instead of rushing to court to fight the crackdown, the bar owners should establish an organization to eradicate the rogue traders amongst them,” he said.
Gachagua added, "Bar owners must stop claiming that the government is fighting their businesses. They should assist the government in eradicating illicit drinks as they have also destroyed their businesses."
