The government announced on Tuesday, August 5, a temporary suspension of the issuance of licenses for the production and commercialization of alcoholic beverages across the country. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy, the measure aims to curb the “early consumption” of alcohol by minors.
“The Ministry of Economy, exercising its legal mandate to define and implement strategies to prevent the early consumption of alcoholic beverages, hereby informs all stakeholders, particularly economic operators within national territory, of the temporary suspension of the issuance of licenses for the production and sale of alcoholic beverages,” the statement reads.
According to the ministry, the main goal is to halt the proliferation of alcohol production and sales outlets, especially “near educational institutions, and to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, particularly among youth,” responding to concerns raised by various sectors of society.
However, the government has pledged to introduce a new legal framework to regulate the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, with the aim of “reducing the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and effectively safeguarding consumer rights.”
Recently, the Mozambican Tax Authority (AT) presented a proposal to revise the Regulation on the Sealing of Alcoholic Beverages and Manufactured Tobacco, aiming to transfer the production of tax seals to national territory — a measure expected to create jobs and boost the Mozambican economy. “The revision aims to ensure that sealing is carried out within the country, with the goal of creating local employment, as the current model offers no benefits in this regard,” explained Miguel Nhane, coordinator of the Alcohol and Tobacco Sealing Unit.
The sealing of alcoholic beverages and manufactured tobacco was implemented in 2017 as a mandatory measure to ensure fiscal control and combat smuggling. Covered products are identified with holographic seals, whose presence on packaging indicates compliance with tax obligations.
The measure is intended to reduce unfair trade, limit the consumption of counterfeit products, and increase state tax revenues. However, businesses and consumers have expressed concerns about the costs associated with sealing, fearing a potential rise in product prices on the market.
Source: Diário Económico
