By Mwenda Njeru
Worth Noting:
- The liquor licensing initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the county government to regulate and manage the alcohol industry, which has been blamed for numerous deaths and social harm, particularly due to the consumption of illicit brews that have plagued the Mt. Kenya region.
- In his statement, Muisrael emphasized the importance of compliance with the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, which requires bar operators to stock alcoholic beverages that meet safety and quality standards set by government agencies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
- He said the move ensures that all beverages sold in licensed facilities are safe for public consumption and curbs selling of illicit brew in the same premises.
Tharaka Nithi County Government has announced the end of this month as the deadline for liquor license applications for the current year.
This is in a bid to regulate the industry that has been facing various challenges.
According to a statement by the county’s Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Investment Promotion, Energy, and Industry, Mr Nyaga Muisrael who is also the Deputy Governor, the move is in line with Section 11 of the Tharaka Nithi County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2021.
The notification specifies that applications for the grant of liquor licenses must be submitted to the Secretary of the Tharaka Nithi County Liquor Licensing Committee by January 31.
The liquor licensing initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the county government to regulate and manage the alcohol industry, which has been blamed for numerous deaths and social harm, particularly due to the consumption of illicit brews that have plagued the Mt. Kenya region.
In his statement, Muisrael emphasized the importance of compliance with the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, which requires bar operators to stock alcoholic beverages that meet safety and quality standards set by government agencies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
He said the move ensures that all beverages sold in licensed facilities are safe for public consumption and curbs selling of illicit brew in the same premises.
For establishments seeking to obtain a liquor license, the premises must meet stringent public health standards, including proper sanitation and the provision of a designated smoking zone and workers having the right health documents indicating that they are fit to sell.
A multi-agency team, comprising ten officials from various government sectors, will be dispatched across every sub-county to inspect and evaluate the businesses that have applied for licensing.
The team will be led by a deputy county commissioner, sub-county administrator, and sub-county public health officer.
The county has already made significant strides in the fight against illicit alcohol by enforcing regulations introduced under the Tharaka Nithi Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
Last year, only 556 out of the 1,006 bars that applied for licenses met the required standards and qualified for approval. Of the 10 liquor manufacturers that sought certification, only one succeeded, and just four out of 10 distributors were granted licenses.
This demonstrates the county’s commitment to enforcing strict controls to ensure public safety and well-being.
Governor Muthomi Njuki, who has been a strong advocate for tough measures against harmful alcohol, has taken steps to ensure the closure of key second-generation alcohol brands in the county including the popular illicit brands such as Santa King, Utamaduni, Atoti Ice, Smart Vodka, Trigger Gin, Gold Vodka, Metropolitan Gin, and Diamond Ice.
Speaking during a meeting in Chuka town last year, Governor Njuki expressed his firm stance on the issue: “My main aim is to save the next generation rather than seek political expediency. That is why I have said I am a political suicide bomber,” he remarked, underscoring his commitment to tackling the alcohol crisis in Tharaka Nithi.
Despite facing significant revenue losses due to the closure of non-compliant businesses, the governor remains resolute in his efforts.
According to county financial reports, the county government lost over Sh15 million in revenue during the 2023/2024 financial year as a result of the crackdown.
However, Njuki maintains that he was willing to forfeit this revenue to safeguard the health and future of the county’s youth.
The county’s liquor regulation program continues to be one of the most rigorous in the region, as authorities work tirelessly to combat the deadly effects of illicit alcohol and promote responsible drinking practices.
Bar operators, liquor manufacturers, and distributors in Tharaka Nithi are urged to ensure that their businesses meet the necessary requirements before the January 31, 2025 deadline for applications.
The county government remains committed to creating a safer, healthier environment for its residents and will continue to monitor compliance with the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act closely.
Last week, bar owners also blamed the government for not making enough effort to curb consumption of illicit brew which they blamed for affecting the trade.
They claimed that the county government is tough at the start of the year when licensing takes place but cools down by mid-year allowing bars to operate without licenses.
“We want you to remain tough throughout the year so that only licensed bars can remain in the market,” said Mr Juma Mwindu, the Tharaka Bar Owners Association Chairperson.
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