Cambodian Booze firms struggling with alcohol ban

Brewers and purveyors are struggling as the current ban on alcohol enters its eighth week. Celebrated brewers Stone Head told Khmer Times that the uncertainty over the bans on alcohol across the country had forced it to lay off staff and temporarily suspend operations.

Proudly brewed in Koh Kong since 2015, the company said it stopped making beer in March. It is now in the process of moving its equipment to Phnom Penh and anticipates restarting operations once the alcohol ban is lifted. “Due to the uncertainty over bans on alcohol in Phnom Penh and throughout the country, we have had no choice but to temporarily cease operations, which unfortunately led to staff layoffs,” a representative for the company said.

Michael Berg, chair of the American Chamber of Commerce’s (AmCham) newly formed Brewer’s Committee, said the alcohol ban will hit smaller producers before large producers are significantly affected. The committee will use AmCham as a forum for collective advocacy addressing a range of issues affecting the industry, according to Berg.

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