Lamu bar owners to adapt stringent liquor regulations

Bar owners in Lamu County are on the clock as they approach an impending deadline of April 1, mandated to adhere to stringent regulations in the liquor business and licensing.

The county is instituting tougher rules and setting up alcoholic drinks control and licensing boards to ensure compliance.

The Lamu County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board conducted an educational session with bar owners in Lamu West Sub-county on Friday, focusing on licensing, regulation, and challenges in the liquor sector to promote a safer and more respectable county.

Lamu's Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua emphasised the commitment of Governor Issa Timamy's administration to fostering a positive partnership between the county and traders.

He also expressed gratitude to bar owners for their readiness to adhere to regulations, highlighting that ensuring the safety of alcoholic beverage consumers is impossible without proper regulation of establishments.

“Unlicensed premises significantly contribute to the spread of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic drinks, which is why regulation is crucial,” he said.

Chairperson Kasim Athman of the Alcoholic Drinks and Licensing Board reassured traders of the board's commitment to regulating bars, aiming to facilitate their operations respectably, create a favourable business environment, and safeguard residents' well-being.

Khamis Kaviha, the Director of Alcoholic Drinks and Licensing, further emphasised that licensing and regulation efforts will prevent the sale of illicit and counterfeit beverages, thereby protecting consumers from consuming substandard alcoholic brands that pose health risks.

Bar owners, who must comply by April 1, 2024, praised the County Government's initiative in arranging the awareness forum and pledged to adhere to the regulations, aiming to safeguard the sector, which employs thousands of individuals in the county.

The county recently oversaw the official appointment of members to the Lamu West Subcounty Alcohol Drinks Regulations Committee at the Mokowe County Headquarters.

This committee is established under the Lamu County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Act of 2020, which governs the control, licensing, regulation, and overall administration of the production, promotion, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the county.

Governor Issa Timamy urged the newly appointed officials to ensure the effective implementation of both the Liquor Act and the county Government's policy on Liquor Licensing.