Bar owners in bid to end sale of illicit brew

Bar owners will partner with the county government to streamline the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks.

The Nyeri Bar Owners Association said it will also work with the national government to ensure all alcoholic drinks sold in the county are vetted.

 "Most of the alcoholic drinks consumed in Nyeri are manufactured outside. We are wary of some of these products," Association Chairman Theobald Wambugu said.

He noted that vetting would help lock out manufacturers and firms that sell and distribute adulterated products. Mr Wambugu said self-regulation would complement both the national and county governments’ efforts in eradicating second-generation brews.

 "Association members intend to engage in business that will generate wealth, employment and spur economic growth without posing a health hazard to users and consumers," he explained.

 Manufacturing firms

Association Secretary Kiama Gachanja said lack of alcoholic factories, distillers and manufacturing firms was to blame for the continued production and consumption of second-generation brews.

"Only 21 manufacturing firms have so far been cleared by the Government appointed agency. Consumers should be on the lookout for those selling counterfeits," Mr Gachanja said.

He observed that a majority of counterfeit drinks do not bear the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) stamps.

 "We are in the process of seeking the Government's assistance to acquire KRA validators and Kebs detectors in order to ensure only genuine products are available in the market," he added.

Gachanja, who sits on the County Liquor Licencing Board said the association would ensure compliance with the Public Health Act.

"We want to caution alcoholic outlets selling beer to underage people that the association will not hesitate to take action," he warned.

Gachanja urged the county government to reduce by half the levies and fees charged to disabled traders to enable them compete fairly.

During a meeting yesterday, 30 wines and spirits distributors and wholesale outlet owners from the eight sub-counties unanimously resolved to raise the prices of wines and spirits.

"By hiking the prices, we want to make these brands inaccessible to underage drinkers and reduce adulteration, cheap liquor and unfair competition. It will also end business rivalry," Gachanja said. He called for licensing of more bars especially in Tetu and Mathira East.

"Many applicants have been left out especially in the two areas. Only 1,000 have been licensed against 2,021 applications in the entire county," Treasurer Paul Kafugo said, adding that they were keen to streamline the sector by introducing measures to increase revenue collection.