The junta has been forcing restaurants and bars in Ayeyarwaddy Region to sell beer and cigarettes produced by military-controlled companies.

Junta troops have been carrying out inspections of bars and restaurants in Ayeyarwaddy’s Pathein District and coercing those not selling alcohol and tobacco produced by military-controlled companies into doing so, according to a restaurant owner in Pathein.

He said: “The Military Council soldiers inspected the restaurant and questioned why we were not selling beer produced by the Military Council and other military-related items. The soldiers even went as far as threatening to revoke our liquor licence if we did not comply. So, we displayed a vinyl sign advertising the availability of Myanmar Beer in our restaurant, even though we are not actually selling it.”

In the second week of September, junta soldiers put pressure on restaurants and beer stations in Ayeyarwaddy Region’s Maupin Township to sell beer and cigarettes from military-controlled companies, according to a local political activist.

A restaurant owner in Ayeyarwaddy’s Yegyi Township said: "We have no desire to sell military-produced items. However, due to frequent inspections by the SAC [State Administration Council] troops, we are compelled to sell them in our shop."

It is reportedly the second time this year that junta soldiers have put such pressure on bars and restaurants in Ayeyarwaddy Region. This time they have targeted establishments in Ayeyarwaddy’s Pathein, Maubin, Yegyi, Pyapon, Ngwesaung, Kyaunggone, and Ngapudaw townships.

Amongst the alcohol brands produced by military-owned companies are Myanmar Beer, Mandalay Beer, Black Shield Beer, Mandalay Rum, Army Rum, Andaman Gold Beer, and Dagon Beer. They also produce Red Ruby and Premium Gold cigarettes.

Since the February 2021 coup anti-junta forces have encouraged the public not to purchase products produced by military-owned and military-supporting companies.