Côte D’Ivoire / The ban on alcoholic energy drinks: An economic blow for Traders and an unfounded justification
Since the Ivorian authorities banned the import, production, and sale of alcoholic energy drinks, local merchants have faced severe economic consequences.
Initially aimed at protecting public health by preventing the mixing of these drinks with tramadol, the measure has proven ineffective and appears to mask motives of unfair competition.
The ban has led to a significant drop in revenue for many merchants. Alcoholic energy drinks made up a substantial part of their turnover, and their removal from the market has created a void that other products have failed to fill.
Financial losses have resulted in store closures, layoffs, and a downturn in local economic activity.
Official justification questioned
The authorities’ argument that mixing alcoholic energy drinks with tramadol poses a health hazard is undermined by the reality of youth practices.
Young people are finding alternative ways to consume tramadol, mixing it with beer, whiskey, champagne, and even water.
Therefore, the specific ban on alcoholic energy drinks does not address the underlying problem of tramadol abuse.
The focus should be on banning tramadol itself.
Unfair Competition: The Real motive?
Some suspect that the ban is driven by motives of unfair competition. Certain companies may have used unorthodox means to influence the authorities and eliminate market competitors.
This situation creates a competitive imbalance, favoring some businesses over others and negatively impacting the commercial sector as a whole.
To preserve commercial fairness and support merchants, Ivorian authorities should reconsider their decision.
A more balanced approach would be to regulate rather than ban, implementing strict measures to control the sale and consumption of tramadol while allowing the sale of alcoholic energy drinks.
This would protect public health while supporting the economy.
Authorities need to reassess this ban and consider fairer, more effective solutions to balance public health protection and economic support.
Dodo KWASSI
