Mozambique

Salane Muchanga

Savana reporter Salane Muchanga (left), a trainee of Knight Fellow Sayagues, interviews a Maputo resident on health concerns.

Mar 132012

Story on Alcoholism Leads to Liquor Co. Campaign Against Underage Drinking in Mozambique

by Mercedes Sayagues

Alcoholism and binge drinking are serious problems here in Mozambique. Among the vile, cheap and lethal spirits sold – those with high alcohol content and low price, guaranteed to hit you like a punch from Rumble in the Jungle - the most popular is Tentacão (which means temptation, in Portuguese), less than US$1 for half a pint. Other brands are Lord Gin, Double Punch, Boss, Rhino and Paradise. The cheapest, Lord Gin, with 43% alcohol, costs US$1 for half a liter.

Though underage drinking is technically illegal here, no one seems to check.

Mozambique - alcohol story published

This article in the leading newspaper Savana includes a quiz designed to detect signs of alcoholism.

Mozambique - 2M RM

Bars and markets often display bold, colorful ads for the liquor they sell. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)

Mozambique - Tentacao and coke

Tentacão tempts the young with its cheap price, just USD $1 for 250 ml. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)

Mozambique - Girls liquor ad

In the shadow of liquor ads: girls in Mueda town in northern Mozambique. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)

Mozambique - Rhino stall

Hard liquor displayed next to snacks and candy tempts young consumers. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)

Mozambique - 2M

2M is arguably Mozambique’s most popular beer. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)

Mozambique - Rhino liquor

Soft but strong with an alcohol content of 43%, Rhino has been linked to several deaths. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)

Mozambique - tentacao

Hand-painted ads for liquor are everywhere in Mozambique. (Photo by Mercedes Sayagues)