Impact of the Sachet Alcohol Ban on Alcohol Availability in Uganda

Objective: Alcohol use continues to be a major public health problem in Uganda. This study sought to estimate the availability of sachet alcohol among retail food and beverage establishments in two Ugandan districts (Kampala and Jinja) before and after enactment of the national sachet alcohol ban. Method: Independent observations in 100 establishments were conducted by a pair of trained observers during the peak hours of 7 P.M. to I A.M. Using a standardized checklist, observers recorded indications of alcohol availability before and alter enactment of the sachet alcohol ban. Results: Availability of (a) alcohol and (b) sachet alcohol were signficantly affected by the ban. Before the ban, 69% of all establishments sold alcohol: there was a significant reduction in alcohol availability after enactment of the ban to 43% of the establishments (p < .001). This reduction was observed in off-premise establishments (p < .001), but not in on-premise establishments (p = .710). Additionally, before the sachet alcohol ban, 52% of all establishments sold sachet alcohol: however, there was a significant reduction in sachet availability after enactment of the ban (1.4%, p < .001). Conclusions: Legislation banning the manufacture and sale of sachet alcohol has the potential to reduce sachet availability. Future studies should examine changes in alcohol consumption following the sachet alcohol ban.