Sachet alcohol dealers in Ibadan, Oyo State, have called on the Federal Government to reverse its ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and 200ml PET bottles.
The demand comes amid the Federal Government’s nationwide crackdown on the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres, a policy aimed at curbing underage drinking and addressing health concerns associated with small-pack alcohol.
The traders made the demand on Monday, during a peaceful demonstration in the Beere area of the city, where they raised concerns about the effect of the policy on their businesses and sources of income.
According to the protesters, sachet alcohol sales have sustained their families and helped them meet their financial responsibilities over the years.
They said the ban had significantly affected their livelihoods, leaving many traders struggling to make ends meet.
The sellers appealed to the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to review the policy and consider its impact on small-scale businesses and the people who depend on them.
They also called for dialogue between the government and stakeholders in the industry, saying a balanced approach should be adopted to address public health concerns without completely depriving small-scale traders of their means of livelihood.