The Mozambican government has temporarily suspended the issuing of licences for the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in the country, in an effort to combat early alcohol consumption among minors.

In a public notice released today, the Ministry of Economy announced:

“Exercising the legal prerogatives granted to it for defining and implementing strategies to prevent early alcohol consumption, the Ministry of Economy informs all concerned parties, particularly economic operators, that the issuing of new licences for alcohol production and sales is temporarily suspended.”

The ministry stated that the measure is aimed at halting the proliferation of alcohol-related establishments, especially those located near educational institutions, and at reducing the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, particularly among young people — a concern increasingly raised by various segments of Mozambican society.

The government also pledged to introduce a new legal framework governing the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This forthcoming regime will aim to “mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol abuse and ensure effective protection of consumer rights,” the ministry added.