Nacada accuses counties of contravening law on bar operation hours

Nacada has faulted county governments for derailing their fight against rampant drug abuse and alcoholism by issuing whole day bar licenses.

The National Authority for the Campaign against Drug Abuse (Nacada) has faulted county governments for derailing their fight against rampant drug abuse and alcoholism by issuing whole day bar licenses.

Speaking when they raided several bars in Embu County to monitor compliance on Tuesday, the anti-drug abuse agency said they will not allow county governments to contravene national laws recklessly for their gains.

Nacada Regulatory Services Manager Judy Twala said only the Alcohol Drinks and Control Act that allows bars to open at 5pm up to 11pm during weekdays and 2pm to 11pm during weekends and holidays is supreme.

“We will not allow county governments to give permits to bars to operate all day. This contravenes the alcohol and drinks law. When will we work as a country when bars open early in the morning?” she posed.

She said they will engage county governments to ensure they align their county laws on bar operations to conform to national laws for ease in monitoring compliance.

The official at the same time raised concern over the increased counterfeit alcoholic drinks brands saying they were a health risk to residents.

She cited a spirit brand, that she said is predominant in the country and whose effects on users may be adverse given that once poured on grass, they wilt and dry.

“If such is the effect on grass, how about if consumed. This war on counterfeits alcoholic brands and drug abuse needs to be fought by all the agencies,” she said.