The Bar Hotels Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA), on Thursday, April 20, opposed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's plan to abolish illicit brew in the Mt Kenya region.
According to the association's chairman Simon Njoroge, the DP needed to balance addressing a social concern and maintaining a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and job creation.
They argued that national and county governments ought to tread carefully on matters that may render many residents jobless.
Furthermore, the association noted that the strategy taken by the DP may lead to an increase in illegal trade, thus denying the government revenue.
Secretary General, Boniface Gachoka, opined that alcohol abuse begins with the availability of illicit alcohol in the market, He blamed the production of the goods on suspicious manufacturers.
However, the association noted that it was not opposed to those operating unlicensed outlets being prosecuted, but guidelines being publicised for adherence.
"We reiterate that the implementation of such measures should be detrimental to the entrepreneurs who are conducting fair business across the country," the chairman added.
Conclusively, the association asked the government to involve relevant stakeholders to implement the right strategy.
Gachagua, on Friday, April 14, convened a multisectoral meeting in Nyeri County to craft strategies to deal with the menace.
"I am confident that Central Kenya will be sober sooner than later. We will also endavour to provide rehabilitation and create opportunities to keep our youth busy and productive," Gachagua stated.
He also warned government officials, accused of protecting unscrupulous traders, against undermining the current administration.
"We shall not rest until we decisively deal with alcohol and substance abuse to save our youth and our family, and bring back our dignity," Gachagua affirmed.
