Zambia: Zambia Breweries commends government decision to partially open bars and nightclubs

Zambia's main brewer on September 14 commended the government for its decision to partially open bars and nightclubs which were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Xinhua reported2.

On Friday, September 11, President Edgar Lungu ordered the reopening of bars and nightclubs but noted this will only be from 6 p.m. to 23 p.m from Friday to Sunday.

Zambia Breweries Plc said the move will improve the livelihoods of bars and night club owners and contribute to the recovery of the economy which has been hard hit by the pandemic.

Jose Moran, the company's country director said the decision will also have a trickle-down effect in supporting the agriculture value-chain, given that the company supports local farmers by buying cassava and barley which were key ingredients in some of its brands.

"Like the Head of State has mentioned, we are also aware of the negative impact COVID-19 has had on owners of bars, taverns, and nightclubs, and we share their pain because they play a key role in the growth and overall success of the company," he said in a release.

According to him, the company was committed to contributing to job creation, agro-processing, and manufacturing through the production of clear beer.

He, however, noted that the company would continue engaging patrons and stakeholders by encouraging them to continue observing COVID-19 preventive measures such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.

Zambia Breweries Plc is a member of Anheuser-InBev (AB InBev), the world's leading brewer with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries.

15 September, 2020