Some hotel associations have called on the Kwara State Government to reverse its law prohibiting the sales, production and consumption of alcohol in the state.
They said the enforcement of such a law would have a drastic effect on the nation’s economy and the hospitality industry.
They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Friday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the Kwara State Government had on March 13 banned the public sales, consumption and production of alcohol in the state.
Mr Adeniyi Ologun, the Executive Secretary of the Hotel and Personnel Services Employers’ Association of Nigeria (HOPESEA) said that such a decision would cause restrictions on freedom to invest.
Ologun said that the development was a minus for investors in the hospitality industry.
He said that hoteliers had tried to make huge gains from the sales of alcohol to be able to pay the various taxes levied on them over the years.
” Implementing the new law will force several of our members out of job and it will be compounding our problems, ” he said.
Also, Mr Ayo Olumoko, the Deputy President , Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Southwest zone said that considerations should be given to Christians and hospitality players in the state.
He said the state government banning sales, consumption and production of alcohol would have adverse effect on them.
Olumoko said that the development was an indication that the state was trying to be counted as a Sharia state.
He said that since the state comprised of both Christians and Muslims, both religions’ interests must be considered by the government while enacting any law.
” Not now that there is an economic downturn when people are looking for things to recreate with and make themselves happy that the state should enforce its ban on alcohol.
Source: Guardian
