The Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) of Kenya has strongly criticized the six-hour opening time mandated for bars nationwide, condemning it as highly unjust.
Francis Mbogo, Chairman of MELTA Kenya, expressed dismay in a statement issued on Thursday, highlighting that government-led crackdowns on establishments to enforce the directive are detrimentally affecting bar owners’ businesses and deterring customers, thereby adversely impacting Kenya’s tourism sector.
“We find it exceedingly unfair to confine the liquor industry to a six-hour opening window. The forceful, unlawful, and uncoordinated raids conducted by police and county askaris disrupt liquor establishments, leading to closures, job losses, or reduced wages for employees,” Mbogo remarked.
“These unauthorized raids will severely undermine our collective efforts to fortify the tourism industry. We strongly protest against the manner in which government enforcement officers have been conducting themselves during visits to our members’ premises. This is unacceptable, and we vehemently oppose it, demanding an end to these draconian measures.”
Mbogo advocated for extending the minimum operating hours for bar owners to a nine-hour timeframe, proposing a more reasonable solution to the issue.
“We, as industry stakeholders, propose a minimum working period of nine hours,” he asserted.
While affirming MELTA Kenya’s support for the government’s campaign against illicit alcohol and drug abuse nationwide, Mbogo emphasized the necessity for inclusive dialogue and enhanced enforcement strategies to combat illicit brewing while safeguarding jobs and economic empowerment.
“We urge our leaders to cease the uncoordinated raids on our premises and instead adopt an inclusive approach to addressing the issue of illicit brewing,” he urged.
“The solution to combating illicit brewing does not lie in shuttering businesses or restricting operating hours but rather in engaging stakeholders in constructive discussions, conducting public civic education, and establishing a suitable framework for legally, effectively, and realistically enforcing regulations to achieve substantial compliance rates, foster job creation, and promote integrity within the hospitality sector.”
