Government to regulate traditional beer

" [A] decision has been made to regulate traditional beer under the Liquor Act as opposed to the Local Government/Township Act. The draft regulations will be submitted to Cabinet for approval this month," said Malesu. She said that it took long too draft the regulations because government had to consult with stakeholders.

Malesu made the revelation when requesting budget approval for her ministry's share of the national budget for 2010-11 financial year. Other initiatives that the minister intends to introduce are the review of the Consumer Protection Act of 1998 so as to strengthen consumer protection and curb unfair business practices. "In the meantime, my ministry will undertake market price surveys and publicise them with a view to simultaneously promoting price competition among businesses and raising awareness among consumers in light of escalating food prices," she said