Slashed beer  prices cheer Lusaka youths

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 11:39:13 +0000

LUSAKA youths are overjoyed by Zambian Breweries’ decision to reduce the recommended retail price of its clear beer in the run-up to the festive season.

Last Monday, Zambian Breweries (ZB) announced promotional savings on the recommended retail price of its products of between 50 ngwee and K2 in recognition of the current tough economic climate for consumers.

Castle, Mosi and Carling Black Label 750ml packs will now cost K10 instead of the previous price of K12; the Eagle Lager 750ml pack will be sold for K6, reduced from the previous price of K8, while the Eagle Lager 375ml size will be priced at K4 from K4.50.

And the youths have lauded the brewery company for the Christmas and New Year gesture, saying it had come at the right time when money was scarce. A youth of Mtendere township Davison Nyirenda noted that the price of clear beer had recent been hiked and that many people were forced to switch to opaque beer which he said was affordable.

Mr Nyirenda said that the reduction in beer prices would enable him ‘‘relax’’ with his friends while having a beer this festive season.

He pointed out that the reduction would also enable him patronize drinking places which he had previously perceived as being too expensive for his pocket. “What ZB has done is really a good thing because the price of clear beer has just been going up over the years. We will be able to even drink from expensive places now,” he said.

And another youth of Kabwata Site and Service Harold Banda said that this festive season would be ‘‘all rosy’’ for him following the reduction in the price of clear beer.

Mr Banda, who is popularly know in Kabwata as ‘‘HB’’, said that his hope was for the power utility company Zesco to ensure that there was electricity on Christmas day.

“I will buy beers, meat and just drink from home with friends and family on the main day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kangwa Musonda of Avondale advised fellow youths to drink responsibly and avoid engaging in activities that would endanger their lives. Mr Musonda said that there was no problem with drinking but that people should be observant of the law at all times. “This is not the time to drink aimlessly just because beer is now cheaper. Let’s observe the law and avoid activities and places that will get you in trouble. Don’t drink and drive, let’s celebrate this festive season responsibly,” he said.