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Beer firms to insure drinkers in proposed changes

By JOHN NJAGI January 27th, 2017 1 min read

A proposed law seeks to have leading brewers and distillers take care of the ‘consequences’ that come with drinking.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (Amendment) Bill sponsored by Imenti Central MP Gideon Mwiti seeks to have beer manufacturers put between five and 10 per cent of the revenue they generate in insurance companies to compensate individuals who suffer damages.

According to the Bill, every drink sold must have an insurance sticker.

COMPENSATE FAMILY

The Bill also proposes that should a doctor ascertain that certain damages such as death were caused as a result of drunkenness, then the manufacturer of the said beverage must compensate the affected person’s family and dependants.

The MP, who spoke at a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, said beer and spirits manufacturers did not do enough to create awareness among partakers on what amounts to “healthy drinking”.

He said drinkers incur huge losses such as damaged vehicles in accidents and illness brought about by excessive drinking.

“The Bill is a win-win for both consumers and manufacturers, the latter being compelled to ensure their consumers are engaged in responsible drinking,” he said.

HUGE PROFITS

Mr Mwiti said beer consumers spent a substantial part of their productive lives pumping huge amounts of money into beer companies but when they experienced loss, they were left to their own devices, while the companies continued raking in huge profits, and targeting the next drinker.

Other damages suffered as a result of alcohol include loss of job and livelihood, domestic violence among others, all of which, according to the MP, would be liable to compensation once the claims are made to reputable insurance companies by the victims.