Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, has expressed concerns about the potential collapse of the economic ecosystem if bars within shopping centers are closed down.
Kioni further emphasized the role of bars in providing business opportunities and employment, stating that they keep people occupied.
According to Kioni, shutting down a few bars in a shopping center could have far-reaching consequences for the entire economic network due to the interconnectedness of various businesses.
Kioni also argued that alcohol is a social activity essential for certain aspects of society.
“When you close two or three bars at a shopping centre, you have collapsed the whole economic ecosystem. For as long as we think a society can stay without the consumption of alcohol for some nature, we will get it wrong. These are businesses and social activities,” he said.
Kioni urged the government to focus on addressing the production of harmful products while sparing those that are beneficial to the economy. He emphasized that alcohol sales contribute to keeping people engaged in economic activities, particularly in areas where bars are prevalent.
These remarks follow recent measures announced by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to address the consumption of illicit brews. Kindiki instructed county security teams to collaborate with local governments in reviewing bar licenses and closing down unlicensed outlets.
