Bar and restaurant owners in Murang’a County have requested the government not to rush the implementation of a directive on closing bars near schools.
The traders who met in Murang’a said there should be talks with the government considering huge investments that have been made in the hospitality sector.
During the Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) annual meeting, the merchants argued closing of the more than 2,257 bars will affect the economy of the country and that of many counties.
Led by their chairman, Simon Njoroge, the traders said some bars were established earlier than the schools, saying bars do not influence bad behaviour among school-going children.
"We had commenced talks with the government about this directive, but already some bars are being closed down. May the government give us time to deliberate on the issue!” posed Njoroge.
He observed that schools are on holiday and the affected bars could be allowed to operate during the festive season before a solution is attained.
The state department of security and national administration had issued a directive ordering NACADA and security teams to close bars that operate within 300 metres of schools.
Njoroge said through their association, they have ensured members don’t sell alcoholic drinks to students, saying closure of the outlets will increase unemployment and also lower county revenue.
“According to the directive, 355 bars in Murang’a County are slated for closure. Many of these bars were established before the schools. Let this matter be well handled so we don’t push some of our business people into depression.” He added.
Other officials decried harassment from security agents calling for harmonization of county laws that regulate liquor outlets.
They said some counties have punitive liquor laws and also charge exorbitant fees on licences thus exploiting bar and restaurant owners.
The association’s secretary, Boniface Gachoka, said with harmonization of the laws, the investors will be subjected to exploitation.
The traders also called for limited inspection of their outlets, saying numerous inspections have provided a platform for runaway corruption.
“Let our bars be inspected once during the opening of the outlet. These many inspections have been misused by some of the security agents to solicit for bribes.” He added.
Murang’a county government secretary Newton Mwangi promised to spearhead talks between the bar owners and the county administration to iron out raised grievances.
“We respect the bar and restaurant sector since in the last financial year, the Murang'a government raised Sh. 97 million from the outlets. The issues concerning licensing and inspection will be discussed by all stakeholders,” he added.
Murang’a county commissioner Joshua Nkanatha asked the traders to adhere to terms provided in their licenses.
Nkanatha cautioned the merchants of corrupting security agents asking them to report those soliciting bribes from their premises.
“When you give bribes it's clear you are flouting liquor laws. Do what is right and don’t give bribes. Instead report those demanding money from you.” The commissioner told the traders.
He further asked all business people investing in the liquor sector to join the association for better coordination of bars and restaurants.
“Being in association will help us to monitor and track those selling illicit brews and drugs in their outlets.