Pubs near schools should be allowed to open this season

Bahlita Chairman Simon Njoroge speaks at the association’s general meeting in Murang’a/KNA

Bar owners in Murang’a County have asked authorities to allow them to remain open until the end of the festive season before implementing a directive to close premises near schools.

Traders said there was a need to hold talks with the government given the huge investments being made in the hospitality sector.

Speakers at the Bar, Hotel and Liquor Association’s annual meeting said the closure of more than 2,257 bars would impact the economy.

“We have started negotiations with the government regarding this directive, but some bars are already closing. Let the government give us time to think about this matter,” said Chairman Simon Njoroge.

According to him, these institutions do not influence the bad behavior of students. through their association they ensure that members do not sell alcoholic beverages to students.

With schools on break, affected bars could remain open through the holiday season before a solution is found, Njoroge said.

“As per the directive, 355 bars are scheduled to close in Murang’a County. Many of these bars predate the schools. Let this issue be well resolved so that we do not plunge some of our businessmen into depression.”

The Ministry of Interior issued a directive ordering Nakada and security forces to close bars operating within 300 meters of schools.

Other officials condemned harassment by security agents and called for harmonization of county laws governing liquor businesses.

Some counties have punitive measures in place.Quor laws and also charge exorbitant licenses, thereby exploiting bar and restaurant owners.

Traders also called for a reduction in the number of inspections of retail outlets, saying the multiple inspections have become a platform for rampant corruption.

“Let our bars be checked once during the opening of the outlet. These numerous checks were some security agents abused them to extort bribes,” said association secretary Boniface Gachoca.

Newton County Secretary Mwangi has vowed to lead talks between bar owners and management to resolve the grievances.