Business Reporter
LUCIA Iipumbu, the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, stated that current policies have highlighted the need to protect consumers against unfair practices in the liqueur market.
Iipumbu made these remarks at a stakeholder engagement on consumer protection and liquor licencing related issues.
Iipumbu stated that the meeting was held to share and deliberate on issues of mutual business and entrepreneurial interests on the Consumer Protection Policy as well as the administration of our National law, the Liquor Act (6 of 1998).
“Indeed, this is a welcomed initiative aiming at disseminating information to the business community at regional level and equip them in order to address the challenges in the administration of the Liquor Act and conforming to certain laws and regulations. Furthermore, our office has launched the National Consumer Protection Policy 2020 – 2025 in September 2021. The main objectives of the Policy is to seek an effective Consumer Protection Framework and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for consumers to understand their rights associated with their spending and investment choices as well as to encourage fair trade in order to ensure a competitive economy,” Iipumbu shared.
She stated that in the same vein, Policy has highlighted the need for legislation to address unfair commercial practices affecting businesses and consumers, including marketing tactics, advertising campaigns, sales promotions and other commercial practices directed at influencing consumer decisions in the marketplace.
“The Government considers that the effective protection of consumer rights is a vital component and therefore ranks high on the agenda of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade. To achieve this, the Ministry has dedicated its Division of Consumer Protection and Internal Market Regulation to serve as a National Consumer Protection Office. This Office is charged to liaise with other sector-regulatory bodies and institutions as well as to attend to all complaints of consumers and secure an even playing ground for all businesses to educate consumers about their rights and the available mechanisms to redress their complaints while the legal framework is being finalised,” Iipumbu said.
The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade administers the Liquor Act that makes provision for the licensing of all establishments in the supply and sale of liquor in the country. The Ministry fulfils this task, together with its key strategic partner, which is the Office of the Judiciary Service Commission that provides both the Chairmanship and Secretariat services to all Liquor Licensing Committees in all the Regions.
