How Nairobi will curb underage drinking

Underage children from Nairobi County will not be able to buy alcohol from bars, clubs and establishments as the Nairobi City County Liquor Lincesing Board has scheduled to clamp down on these ventures during the festive season.

Speaking in Kibra’s Mashimoni area, County Liquor Board Chair, Vincent Shimoli, said the Board will withdraw licenses from establishments caught selling liquor to underage persons.

He further urged parents and residents of Nairobi to be on the lookout and report such cases to relevant authorities.

“I urge parents and Nairobi residents to give us the names of bars and restaurants that continue to break the rules. We know that schools are now closed therefore bars and club owners would want to make quick money by selling alcohol to children,” said Shimoli.

“It is also the responsibility of parents to know where and with whom their children are spending time. Their free time should not be spent consuming drugs and alcohol. We want a sober-minded society.”

The Board has decentralized its licensing offices to the sub-counties for quick and efficient service delivery to residents in the grassroots level.

The County Liquor Board, which approves and issues liquor licenses as well as drafting relevant policies, has started operations in Nairobi where several pubs and restaurants have already been terminated.

By Inyangala Tsuma