Liquor traders oppose six-hour opening timeline imposed on bars

The Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) of Kenya has criticised the six-hour opening time imposed on bars nationwide, labelling it extremely unfair.

In a statement on Thursday, MELTA Kenya Chairman Francis Mbogo noted that government-led raids on the establishments to enforce the order are reducing businesses for bar owners and scaring away customers, thereby impacting Kenya's tourism sector in general.

“We find it extremely unfair forcing the liquor industry to a six-hour opening timeline. These forceful, illegal and uncoordinated raids by the police and county askaris affect the liquor owners leading to closure of businesses, job losses or reduced wages for employees," said Mbogo.

"These illegal raids will impact negatively in our joint effort to build a stronger tourism industry.  Generally, we register our dissatisfaction in the manner in which the government enforcement officers have been conducting themselves each time they visit our members’ premises. This is not right and we totally disagree and demand a stop to these draconian raids."

Mbogo subsequently suggested that a minimum nine-hour working timeframe be granted to bar owners instead.

"We in the industry propose to be given at least a minimum of nine-hour timeframe," he said.

While noting that MELTA Kenya backs the government's ongoing war against illicit alcohol and drug abuse nationwide, he advocated for inclusive discussions and better enforcement strategies to combat illicit brew while preserving jobs and economic empowerment.

"We thereby urge our leaders to call off the uncoordinated raids within the premises, and to action an inclusive approach to dealing with illicit brew," he said.

"The remedy to the fight against illicit brew is not shutting down businesses or reducing operational timelines but instead having a round table conversation with stakeholders on the industry’s best practices, public civic education, and establishment of an appropriate framework for legal, effective and realistic enforcement in achieving remarkable compliance rate, securing more job opportunities and bringing sanity within the hospitality industry."