Local brewers Taula Beverages Company Limited is awaiting a response from the Liquor Board regarding its concerns over the lack of consultation during the development of Samoa's Alcohol Standard Guidelines. 

The guidelines launched in May introduced new regulations impacting local and imported alcoholic beverages.  

Taula Beverages has expressed disappointment alleging insufficient engagement with local alcohol producers during the drafting process. 

In its letter to the Liquor Board, the brewery expressed resistance to certain requirements, particularly those mandating a reduction in the alcohol content of their beer, including the Taula Strong brand.

Liquor Board Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed receipt of Taula Beverages’ correspondence and noted that they will respond in due course. 

“Meanwhile, the Alcohol Control Board will continue drafting the necessary regulations as required under the Act to ensure compliance with the new guidelines,” Tuala said in response to queries from the Samoa Observer newspaper. 

“Our goal remains to support local industries while prioritising public health.”  

The Alcohol Standard Guidelines impose stringent regulations on alcohol by volume (ABV) limits for local and imported beverages. 

For beers, the guidelines stipulate that any product exceeding 5 per cent ABV must be reformulated for local consumption or designated solely for export. This restriction aims to standardise alcohol potency and mitigate alcohol-related harm among consumers.  

Similarly, imported beers must also comply with the 5 per cent ABV limit. Local and imported wines are capped at 17 per cent ABV, while distilled spirits cannot exceed 50 per cent.  

“These measures aim to control the potency of these beverages, reducing the potential for alcohol-related harm among consumers,” the guideline noted. 

The guidelines also mandate compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (H.A.C.C.P), a globally recognised food safety system. Local manufacturers must align their processes with H.A.C.C.P principles to ensure safety and quality.  

To obtain a manufacturing license, producers must submit a comprehensive application including a police report, village council consent, lease agreement and details of the manufacturing process. 

Brewmasters and staff must hold relevant qualifications, and products must undergo rigorous testing by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.).  

Additional testing requested by the Liquor Board will be conducted at the applicant’s expense, with results submitted directly to the Board. The guidelines also require proper labelling for all alcoholic products, promoting transparency and consumer safety.  

Taula Strong has previously been identified by law enforcement as a common factor in alcohol-related offences since the ban was imposed on locally produced spirits. 

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Police reported a marked decline in alcohol-related crimes following a Liquor Board directive to cease the production of high-ABV spirits. 

“The health of all the people drinking beer is a priority,” said Tuala, highlighting the government’s focus on balancing industry support with public welfare.