By: John Kariuki
Worth Noting:
- We reiterate that these illegal raids will impact negatively in our joint effort to build a stronger tourism industry. Generally, we register our dissatisfaction in the manner in which the government enforcement officers have been conducting themselves each time they visit our members’ premises.
- There has been indicators of numerous harassments and losses within the premises which includes missing stocks, operational gadgets as well as operational capitals for the premises. Not forgetting that the operations too scare off patrons as well rendering the premises empty.
The Medium Liquor Traders Association led by the Chairman Mr. Frank Mbogo has reiterated full support to the joint efforts geared towards curbing the menace of illicit alcohol. This is the statement released by the Association on Thursday:
“As an Association representing legitimate business owners within the liquor industry, we fully support the fight for the total eradication of illicit brew and drug abuse in the country. We commit and pledge to work hand in hand with all relevant government authorities and county agencies to win the war against illicit brew and drug abuse.
However, subject to the numerous consultative conversations with stakeholders within the hospitality industry, we find it extremely unfair forcing the liquor industry to a six-hour opening timeline. We in the industry propose to be given at least a minimum of nine-hour timeframe.
These forceful, illegal and uncoordinated raids by the Police and County Askaris affect the liquor owners leading to closure of businesses, job losses or reduced wages for employees. As we speak, more than 100,000 youths and women within the hospitality industry have lost their jobs.
If not done right, these illegal and uncoordinated raids guised in efforts to curb illicit brew, will render an extra 500,000 plus employees in the sector jobless. Mama mboga and bodaboda riders too will be on the losing end and not forgetting the landlords of the premises where the traders operate from.
We reiterate that these illegal raids will impact negatively in our joint effort to build a stronger tourism industry. Generally, we register our dissatisfaction in the manner in which the government enforcement officers have been conducting themselves each time they visit our members’ premises.
There has been indicators of numerous harassments and losses within the premises which includes missing stocks, operational gadgets as well as operational capitals for the premises. Not forgetting that the operations too scare off patrons as well rendering the premises empty.
This is not right and we totally disagree and demand a stop to these draconian raids. In conclusion, we reemphasize that these directions are illegal, and discriminative and worsen the whole effort to weed out illicit brew. We note that most of the targeted outlets begin their business at 5.00 PM and have to close by 11.00 PM at the expense of big hotels, restaurants and members club managed by the rich within the society which contradicts the government of the day’s manifesto that targeted the hustlers and low-income earners.
These raids water down our efforts as a country to a 24-hour economy. It is very important to note that most of the small-scale liquor outlets are operated by women and youth, and these are the ones this government intended to empower economically. We thereby urge our leaders to call off the uncoordinated raids within the premises and to take an inclusive approach to dealing with illicit brew. The remedy to the fight against illicit brew is not shutting down businesses or reducing operational timelines but instead having a round table conversation with stakeholders on the industry’s best practices, public civic education, and establishment of an appropriate framework for legal, effective and realistic enforcement in achieving remarkable compliance rate, securing more job opportunities and bringing sanity within the hospitality industry.”
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