Prices of beer have shot up by almost 100% after the supply chain was disrupted by a sudden change of importers. The initial shortage early this year began when the Zanzibar Liquor Control Board (ZLCB) delayed renewed permits for the three established importers – One Stop, Scotch Store, and ZMMI. It is not clear why the licences of the three firms, which had supplied alcohol to the island for more than two decades, were not renewed. For alcohol importers to get licensed, they must be Zanzibari-born residents with a clean tax record, a warehouse, and a delivery vehicle. Additionally, importers must also pay a $12,000 annual fee to the regulatory board. Last month, ZLCB granted licences to three new companies – Kifaru, Bevko and Zanzi Imports – but hoteliers say they are still struggling to meet the demand. The new firms are reportedly entangled in a lengthy vetting process amid reports that some non-Zanzibaris are involved in the operations of the companies in contravention of the law.
SOURCE: BBC
