Youth drinking reduced

KETRA KALUNGA WRITES THE residents of Kabwe district have observed a change in alcohol consumption among the youths during the two months that the bars and taverns have been closed by the government to avert the spread of the coronavirus. They said, most youths have become productive as a result and have been consuming alcohol in moderation than before which was commendable. One of the residents, George Banda said there was nothing wrong with consuming alcohol provided it is done in a moderate way as part of recreation after a day’s work. Mr Banda urged the youths to continue taking alcohol responsibly after bars and taverns are re-opened as they have been doing during the time they have remained closed.  He was speaking on a live phone-in program on KNC Radio on the “The alcohol challenges and COVID-19 responses in the community,” sponsored by Serenity Harm Reduction Programme Zambia (SHARPZ) and Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA). Another caller Mr. Simwanza said it was important for the youths to be responsible and consume alcohol in moderation not only during the closure of bars but all the time because bars would not be closed indefinitely. “It’s a good thing for youths to drink responsibly and in moderation unlike spending most of the time drinking, selling alcohol is a business, it should continue but it’s up to those drinking to drink in moderation,” said Mr. Simwanza. A caller from Mkushi district bemoaned the irresponsible way of alcohol consumption among the young married women to an extent of failing to care for their family. She urged the women to ensure they drink alcohol in moderation stating that there was no harm in drinking beer if it is taken in a responsible way. “Women are worse, early in the morning getting drunk and failing to take care of their homes. There is no harm in drinking beer, control must be applied, beer can’t control you, drinking too much makes one loud and stupid says the Bible,” she said. The Sun