Kirinyaga bar owners raise concerns over new alcohol regulations

The Kirinyaga Bar Owners Association has opposed the proposed Kirinyaga County Alcoholic and Drinks Control Act 2024, citing a lack of public participation by the county government.

The association’s chairman, Frederick Kinyua, says that the county government failed to involve them before making the final draft, which is expected to be tabled in the Kirinyaga county assembly.

Kinyua says some of the proposed changes will have a negative impact on their businesses, calling on Governor Anne Waiguru to have a consultative meeting with all stakeholders.

Kinyua says that they are opposed to several clauses in the draft bill, such as Clause 19, which gives the director in charge of the Directorate of Alcoholic Drinks Control powers to sign and stamp the licences before issuance to successful applicants.

Kinyua says that the responsibility was earlier with the chairman of the Kirinyaga Alcoholic and Drinks Control Board.

“We also oppose Clause 8, which says that the applicant will be required to provide the layout plans of the outlet in triplicate and to scale, showing the floor plans and physical arrangements of the kitchen, washrooms that are properly designated for women, and user-friendly for people living with disabilities,” he said.

The bar owners are also opposed to Clause 24, which proposes a Ksh.1 million fine or jail term not exceeding two years term or both, if one fails to comply with the proposed regulations.

Nicolas Kiragu, the association’s coordinator, says that the proposed regulations will leave many of the bar owners out of the business due to the set requirements.

Kiragu says that they have also petitioned the court for the government to ensure that all signed licences are collected at the sub-county level instead of travelling all the way to the county headquarters.