Joseph Isangura
The Member of Parliament for Buchosa, Erick Shigongo, has made a passionate appeal to the Tanzanian Parliament to amend existing alcohol regulations in response to a troubling rise in underage drinking.
Shigongo, speaking during the parliamentary session on amendments to the Child Protection Laws of 2024, pointed out that the easy availability of cheap alcoholic beverages is fostering a culture of underage drinking, with potentially devastating consequences for the nation’s youth.
Shigongo’s remarks have sparked a broader conversation within the Parliament about the need for tighter controls on alcohol sales and marketing, particularly in areas where children are most vulnerable. He argued that current laws are insufficient to prevent minors from accessing alcohol, which is often sold at low prices in neighborhood shops and kiosks.
The MP proposed several reforms aimed at curbing this trend, including raising the minimum age for purchasing alcohol, increasing penalties for vendors who sell alcohol to minors, and implementing stricter regulations on alcohol advertising. He also suggested that local authorities be given more power to enforce these laws, ensuring that they are upheld at the community level.
Shigongo’s proposals come at a time when there is growing concern about the impact of alcohol on public health and safety, particularly among young people. Studies have shown that early exposure to alcohol can lead to long-term health problems and increase the likelihood of addiction. By strengthening the legal framework around alcohol, Shigongo believes the government can better protect the health and well-being of its younger population.
