The Association of Producers and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages complains of heavy losses resulting from the restrictions imposed by the Government on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The association calls for extending the hours of operation of botles stores, opening of stalls and other similar places.

The Mozambican market consumes 300 million liters of beer annually. From last year to this part the consumption dropped 100 million liters, or to about 200 million liters, due to the restrictions imposed for the prevention of COVID-19.

Who says so is the Association of Producers and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages , which this Monday expressed concern to the press.

The association also says that 23 thousand people are affected with this situation of restrictions, where there is loss of jobs. It supports the statement by looking at thousands of closed shacks throughout the country, the discos and other nightlife venues that, at this moment, do not work in compliance with the guidelines contained in decree 24/2021 of April 26.

"Our intention above all is to make a reflection, and to appeal to the sectors that we mentioned as Botle Store, the warehouses, the supermarkets to operate within what is the normally established schedule for the economic activity, that is, from 09 to 18 hours, this is the main intention in order to guarantee jobs and the fiscal contribution", appealed Francisco Júnior, president of the association.

The Association of Producers and Importers of Alcoholic Beverages also considers that it was excluded in the last communication to the Nation that determined the reopening of some sectors and maintained the closure of stalls and bars, as well as the four hours of operation of botles stores and similar areas.

"We notice that, in this last decree, there was exclusion of a vital sector, the sector of botles stores, the sector of grocery stores and supermarkets, specifically, in what is the sale of alcoholic beverages. Let's see, the sectors that I mentioned before are sectors that are essentially aimed at selling for consumption at home, and not at selling on the premises, therefore, the sale, in these places, is aimed at responsible consumption at one's place of residence, and no longer encourages consumption at the points of sale", said Francisco Júnior.

The scenario is also leading to an upsurge in illicit trade in the beverage sector, because according to the association, in the current nine to 13 hours there is no alcoholic beverage business.