Trade Minister orders re-opening of drinking spots, says their closure threatens public order.
By Stephen TADAHA
The Minister of Trade has ordered the re-opening of drinking spots that were closed by some bartenders in Cameroon some days ago. The closure of the drinking spots was the result of a strike undertaken by bartenders under the banner “Collectif des Barmen du Cameroun”, to express their dismay against a recent decision to reduce the rebates they earned per crate of beer, from FCFA 245 to FCFA 122,5 that was taken by Cameroon Alcohol Producers Association (CAPA).
The instruction from Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana contained in correspondence on Wednesday, October 4, is the second intervention of its kind in the resolution of the tension between bartenders and producers of Alcoholic drinks.
Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana had on October 2, 2023, called on both parties to suspend their intended actions, announcing a consultation meeting between both parties in the days ahead. A call that seemingly fell on deaf ears due to the fact that some bartenders still went on to close their drinking spots in the Economic capital Douala, threatening public order.
In Wednesday’s correspondence, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana reminded the bartenders that their association is neither above the laws of the Republic, nor above the brewery companies, and members of CAPA; and thus instructed them to reopen the bars. He also said a consultation meeting will be held in the days ahead between the two parties.
