Kenyan MP wants beer manufacturers to insure drinkers

A proposed law in Kenya seeks to have leading brewers and distillers take care of the ‘consequences’ that come with drinking.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (Amendment) Bill sponsored by Gideon Mwiti, a Kenyan parliamentarian seeks to have beer manufacturers put between five and 10 per cent of the revenue they generate in insurance companies to compensate individuals who suffer damages of alcohol abuse.

According to the Bill, every drink sold must have an insurance sticker. The Bill also proposes that should a doctor ascertain that certain damages such as death were caused as a result of drunkenness, then the manufacturer of the said beverage must compensate the affected person’s family and dependents.

The MP, who spoke at a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, said beer and spirits manufacturers have not done enough to create awareness on what amounts to “healthy drinking”, adding  that drinkers incur huge losses such as damaged vehicles in accidents and illnesses brought about by excessive drinking.

“The Bill is a win-win for both consumers and manufacturers. The latter being compelled to ensure their consumers are engaged in responsible drinking,” he said.

Mr Mwiti said beer consumers spend a substantial part of their productive lives pumping huge amounts of money into beer companies but when they experienced loss, they were left to their own devices, while the companies continued raking in huge profits, and targeting the next drinker.

Other damages suffered as a result of alcohol include loss of job, domestic violence among others, all of which, according to the MP, would be liable to compensation once the claims are made to reputable insurance companies by the victims.

(Courtesy: CGTN Africa)