Bar owners want the government to disclose the findings of the vetting process amid what they describe as “continued harassment” by law enforcement and substantial losses from the closure of businesses.
The Pubs, Entertainment, and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) are leading the call for transparency, demanding that the government provide a clear timeframe for businesses to engage with manufacturers to recall suspended products, along with compensation for affected bar owners.
Michael Muthami, PERAK’s national chairman, expressed frustration over the lack of information from the government regarding the outcome of the vetting process. He highlighted the confusion and closure of premises run by legitimate alcohol manufacturers due to the absence of clear guidance.
Moreover, Muthami emphasized the harassment faced by traders within the sector by County Security Agencies, who allegedly exploit the confusion to target operators, claiming to implement a government directive to close outlets selling various alcohol products.
The bar owners also voiced concerns over the government’s disregard of court orders, citing instances where stay orders issued by Kisumu and Taita Taveta High Courts to halt interference with bar operations were ignored.
The government’s directives issued on March 6, under the “Government Action on Eradication Of Illicit Brews, Drug And Substance Abuse,” included the suspension of licenses for second-generation alcohol manufacturers and distillers, pending a vetting process.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki outlined that the vetting process would be conducted by a multi-agency committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Interior, with NACADA as the committee’s secretary.
However, PERAK claims that the vetting outcomes and subsequent restoration of licenses for compliant manufacturers have not been communicated by the government.
In the ongoing crackdown on illicit brews, the government has shut down 9,269 non-compliant liquor stores between March 8 and March 31, 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Interior.
Alexander Mwonga, PERAK’s Director, criticized the impracticality of restrictions on alcohol distribution, highlighting the challenges faced by distributors to comply with the directives.
BAHLITA, representing alcohol selling joints, warned of job cuts for its 54,000 members if no dialogue is initiated with the government.
Additionally, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has protested against the government’s directives, including the increase in the minimum alcohol size from 250 milliliters (ml) to 750ml, citing potential revenue losses and increased business costs.
Amidst these concerns, pub, entertainment, and restaurant owners are urging the government to provide clarity, transparency, and dialogue to address the challenges facing the industry.
