Opposition parties deride govt over KBL

In a press statement released to the media last week, the company, which currently employs 57 people at its Palapye opaque beer wing, said it may be forced to shutdown the Palapye operation.The release said some of the employees will be absorbed into other branches around the country, while others will be retrenched.Opposition parties blame the ailing KBL business on the alcohol levy, reduction in alcohol trading hours and banning of selling alcohol from homes. 

Apparently, KBL announced that it will close its Palapye operations due to low sales, reportedly perpetuated by the introduction of the levy, reduction of trading hours and banning of selling alcohol in homes.Opposition party activists said they have been justified in opposing the measures, most of which were announced by President Ian Khama in an 'off-the-cuff' fashion at kgotla meetings around the country.