State cracks the whip on alcoholism with closure of bars

At least 30 per cent of all alcohol outlets across the country will be closed down starting March 2012 in a move aimed at reducing incidents of drug and alcohol abuse.

Internal Security PS Francis Kimemia said this will lengthen the distance between consumers and the outlets while eliminating alcohol sales near social amenities like schools and hospitals.

“The move is unstoppable and is aimed at reverting the drinking culture of death among the targeted youth so that they can embrace personal economic empowerment,” said Mr Kimemia.

More than 15,000 employees are expected to lose their jobs with the closure of the 5,000 plus outlets. The move will also restrict expansion in the brewing sector.

Mr Kimemia said the number of bars in Nairobi will be reduced from 4,006 to 2,800 while those in Central and Eastern provinces will be reduced to 2,000 each. Central has 3, 338 bars and Eastern 3,400. Rift Valley’s 3,002 bars will be reduced to 2, 400, the same number as coast province which now has 2,878 outlets.

“The criteria for phasing out the bars is based on geographical, demographic and regional economic relevance. The provincial administration that is responsible for liquor licensing has strict directives to implement the reductions,” Mr Kimemia said, adding that 12 administrators have been sacked over the past two months for failing to enforce the law.

Mr Kimemia said the bars that remain in business would be required to adhere to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, known as the ‘Mututho law’, on quality assurance, alcohol promotion and advertisement and pay levies towards the government fund for rehabilitating alcoholics.

Last week the National Campaign Against Drugs Abuse Authority (Nacada) said it was preparing a bill that would limit the number of alcohol outlets per area.

Pubs Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (Perak) said that the government should consult stakeholders on the changes.

Perak chief executive Sam Ikwaye said a black market for drugs and alcohol would emerge if the sector was overregulated, saying setting basic safety standards should be a matter of priority.