By Yusupha Jobe
As the Banjul Breweries Company is closed some concern stakeholders especially those working in hotels, restaurants and bars have raised concern that the closure of Banjul Breweries Company would cause their businesses a huge economic loses.
The country’s sole beverage company finally ceased operation in April following some months of negotiation over 75% tax hikes by Barrow’s administration in 2019.
Ebrima Sanyang, a hotel staff said the company’s shutdown did not only pose a direct economic setback on hotels but including bars and restaurants because they also depend indirectly on tourism industry.
“What are we doing when we cannot even get supply of beverages and other hard drinks? Currently as I am speaking, The Gambia is the only country in the entire continent that is not manufacturing beverages in its own country,” he said.
He added: “And Gambega which was also making same beverages has since stopped its manufacturing. Meaning we will now have our supply of such beverages from Senegal and Guinea Conakry especially beers which is important for the hotel industry.”
“How can we allow the closure of Banjul Breweries in the country? And today if you walk to the shops it is very difficult to find soft drinks such as Vimto, XXL, Fanta, Malta, Cocktail and Beer drinks. Why will the government allow a huge company with over 200 employees to close operations due to a high tax level,” he asked.
Binta Colley, a bar and restaurant owner, said: “the resumption of the tourism season will be meaningless if hotels including bars are not supply with beverages and beer drinks because tourist depend on those drinks.”
She however advised the government to have another consultative meeting with stakeholders of the company as to maintain it operations in the country.
“I depend on hard drinks such as beer to serve my customers which many are tourists. So how do I expect to have customers, beverages that are served to my customers are no more available. What is the government doing on unemployment rate in the country? This really sad,” she said.
However, last month the National Assembly select committee engaged the company’s management officials of Gambia Revenue Authority to proffer practical solutions but no meaningful outcome is being reached.