NACADA warns bars, wines & spirits joints against flouting operation guidelines

The National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has warned operators of wines and spirits joints against allowing consumption of alcohol in their business premises.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NACADA CEO Victor Okioma said the agency will call for withdrawal of licenses of wines and spirits joints flouting operation guidelines.

“The Authority has been conducting continuous surveillance of outlets that dispense alcohol across the country and has observed a tendency where wines and spirits have been flouting the law by dispensing alcohol on site. Such premises are allowed to sell take-away only and no consumption of the beverages is permitted within them. NACADA will continue enforcing this rule and in cases where premises are found flouting the regulation the Authority will advise licensing authorities to withdraw permits for such places,” reads the statement.

Mr. Okioma reiterated that NACADA will continue carrying out its surveillance and compliance related crackdowns to assess the level of adherence to the President’s directives and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

“…in liaison with other agencies the Authority will closely monitor establishment and mushrooming of bars and other alcohol dispensing premises within residential places and areas around learning institutions and religious places,” added the NACADA boss.

Meanwhile, NACADA has welcomed the Presidential Directive lifting the prohibition against operation of bars and sale of alcoholic drinks and beverages by ordinary restaurants and eateries.

The Authority further supports the directive that the closing time for all bars and restaurants and eateries shall be 10pm every day and their operations shall be with strict adherence to the applicable guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

“Bars are advised to ensure that they exercise responsibility as they conduct their business in guaranteeing strict adherence to all necessary health guidelines and operating hours,” said the NACADA CEO.