The nationwide enforcement of restrictions on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in small plastic bottles has disrupted the livelihoods of many petty traders and distributors who depended on the products for daily income.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control intensified enforcement after the expiration of the December 2025 phase out deadline.
The policy is intended to reduce underage drinking and substance abuse, but affected traders say the economic consequences have been severe.
Reports from markets and neighbourhoods in several major cities indicate that some retailers have lost stock through seizures while others have closed businesses because the affected products were among their fastest selling items.
Several traders said income from the products helped them pay household bills, school fees and other daily expenses.
Distributors also complained that the sudden loss of inventory had left them with debts and limited options for rebuilding their businesses.
Some industry observers warned that removing regulated low cost alcoholic products without addressing consumer demand could encourage illegal production and unregulated sales.
They argued that such a development could create additional health risks if consumers shift to poorly controlled or adulterated alternatives.
Affected traders are asking regulators to consider measures such as stronger age verification, retailer education and targeted sanctions against sellers who provide alcohol to minors.
They also want transition arrangements that would allow small businesses to adjust to the new regulatory environment.
The dispute has therefore widened into a broader debate about how public health regulation can protect vulnerable consumers without imposing disproportionate economic hardship on informal businesses.
