Côte d’Ivoire: Ban on alcoholic energy drinks, what if authorities also listen to the other side?
The recent decision by Ivorian authorities to ban the import and sale of alcoholic energy drinks has sparked and continues to provoke strong reactions and significant confusion among the public. This unilateral and hasty decision left economic stakeholders facing a fait accompli without prior consultation or dialogue.
The Ivorian authorities justified this ban by citing the alleged misconduct of young consumers mixing these energy drinks with psychoactive substances. This claim warrants a thorough investigation to uncover its full context and implications.
However, this decision appears rash and poorly considered, failing to account for the multifaceted nature of the issue. It seems the authorities did not fully measure the extensive economic and social repercussions of such a ban.
Merchants of alcoholic energy drinks now find themselves in a precarious situation, becoming scapegoats for this measure. Many have invested significant sums in these products and now see their businesses at risk. The financial loss is substantial, threatening thousands of jobs and creating additional economic instability in an already unsustainable context.
It is crucial for the authorities to reconsider this decision and engage with the affected economic operators. Consultation would allow for the identification of more suitable and equitable solutions that address both health concerns and economic necessities. Instead of imposing a total ban, more nuanced regulatory measures could be considered. Only an inclusive and thoughtful approach will yield a beneficial outcome for the entire Ivorian society.
