In a bid to combat alcoholism and regulate the alcohol industry, Nyeri County has suspended the issuance of new bar licenses with immediate effect.
This move, announced by Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Friday, March 15, aligns with recent legislative measures aimed at curbing the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the county.
The decision follows the passage of the Nyeri County Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, by the Nyeri County Assembly. The bill, which received approval just a month ago, seeks to comprehensively manage, license, and regulate all aspects of alcoholic beverages within the county.
Notably, it introduces stringent penalties for manufacturers found guilty of producing adulterated alcohol, including fines of up to Ksh10 million and a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years.
Governor Kahiga underscored the importance of verifying and monitoring of existing bars across the county.
He stated, “We have suspended the issuance of new bar licenses until a comprehensive exercise of verification is conducted to ascertain the number of bars, their ownership, and the nature of their operations.”
Furthermore, Governor Kahiga issued a directive to county employees who own bars, urging them to either close their establishments within seven days or seek alternative employment within the county government.
This directive aligns with recent government orders instructing public officers involved in bar ownership to either shut down their businesses or resign from their positions.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki echoed concerns about the ethical implications of public officers engaging in bar ownership.
He emphasized the need for compliance with the Public Ethics Act and announced rigorous scrutiny of staff records by relevant government agencies to ensure adherence to regulations.
Under the provisions of the recently passed bill, distributors found knowingly distributing adulterated alcoholic drinks face fines of Ksh2 million or imprisonment for two years. Similarly, bar owners selling such products will incur penalties of Ksh500,000 or a two-year imprisonment term, along with license revocation.
Despite the numerous actions by both the national and county governments to combat alcoholism in the region, critics warn of potential economic repercussions, particularly for small businesses and individuals reliant on the alcohol industry for livelihoods.
