Isoka bans illicit beer brewing

Isoka  district council in Muchinga province has  banned  the brewing of  a local beer commonly known as kachasu.

Council secretary Martin Mutale  told  ZANIS in Isoka today that his office has received disturbing reports about the increasing number of people taking the illicit beer.

He said it was time that the kachasu brewers were arrested and charged for providing illicit alcohol to the public.

Mr. Mutale observed that young people who are supposed to be using their energy on productive activities instead waste it on beer drinking.

Mr  Mutale stressed that  kachasu and local wines were illegal and  that people should abide by the law or face its wrath if found wanting.

And Isoka district commissioner Joe Siwila has  urged  residents to concentrate on farming to improve productivity the area.

He  revealed that some people start drinking kachasu as earlier as  05 hours in the morning and that by 08 hours they  were already intoxicated.

Major Siwila said his office was in full support of the councils move to ban the illegal trading of the local beer.

He also warned beer traders to abide by the official operating hours as stipulated in the council by-laws to open bars at 10 hours in the morning and close at 22 hours.