Seven people have been arrested in Narok town for flouting alcoholic drinks regulations after a multi-agency team mounted a crackdown in the area.
The multi-agency team consisted of officers from the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), National Police Service and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).
The day-long crackdown exercise in Narok town was led by Nacada South Rift regional manager Robert Olweny.
The aim of the operation was to ensure all outlets that sell alcoholic drinks complied with the laid down regulation.
Olweny raised concern that a number of premises visited had not fully complied with the Alcoholic Drinks Control Acts, forcing them to shut them until they comply.
The manager said all alcoholic beverage licenses expired on August 31 and dealers were given a grace period of one month to ensure they renew their certificates.
“We are going round to find out if the alcoholic premises have renewed their certificates and complied with the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act,” he said.
He said some of their findings were that many premises were selling alcoholic drinks before the stipulated time and a number of wine and spirit shops were allowing their customers to consume alcohol at their shops.
“The law does not allow one to purchase alcoholic drinks and consume them in wine and spirit shops. The purchasers should carry them in their specific homes to consume there,” he said.
Narok Central Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Abdi Shakur Ali said the seven arrested were managers and sellers who had flouted the law.
Shakur said the impromptu crackdown in the town will continue and called on alcoholic drink dealers to be vigilant to observe the law.
“All premises should adhere to the public health standards, ensure you do not sell alcohol to children and your business premises should be more than 300 meters from a school or church. These are some of the regulations they are expected to observe.