NATA calls for ban on sale of 175 ml arrack flasks

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol has called on Government to ban the production and sale of arrack flasks of 175 ml. 

Quoting research done by his agency, NATA Chairman Dr. Samadhi Rajapakse said that over 72.4% of respondents had expressed this view. 

Addressing a media briefing, Rajapakse said over 1,000 persons representing three age groups, from 17-30 years, 31-45 and 45 and above had taken part in this survey from all walks of society. He added that even farmers had requested that the arrack flasks be stopped, as irresponsible disposing of the products had also led to a number of environmental issues. He said the information was shared with the Ministry of Environment, which shares the view promoted by NATA. 

He added that the World Health Organization too in a report had noted the growth in consumption of arrack flasks in the country, which promotes consumption of hard alcohol and serves as a gateway product to youngsters to take up drinking. 

The WHO report says over 8.7% of consumers in Sri Lanka consume spirits, which has seen a growth of over 29.4% in recent times. Of this, over 54% of volume consists of arrack flasks, with up to 100 million bottles consumed every month. The majority of alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka is illicit.