Tougher Mututho Law on Drinking on The Way

By Mbugua Ngunjiri

Alcohol consumers who tossed a drink to celebrate the defeat of John Mututho in the last elections would be sobered to learn that the man behind the tough law helped to draft a new one that will spoil the party for some Nairobians.

There will now be tougher restrictions for tipplers living in areas that fall under Kiambu county government when a new law, the former MP inspired, is enforced.

The Kiambu County Assembly adopted the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill on August 6.

Apart from a members’ club, which is licensed to sell alcohol round the clock, the law will require that ordinary pubs remain faithful to the Mututho hours – 5pm to 11pm.

A report by Labour, Social, Welfare, Culture and Community Services Sectoral Committee in the county indicated that Mututho – the sponsor of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010 in Parliament – facilitated a workshop for Kiambu county reps at JKUAT on August 2, where he took them through the Bill.

Among other things, the law proposes the formation of Sub-county Alcoholic Drinks Regulation Committees, which will vet applications for alcohol licences.

These committees also have powers of revoking alcohol manufacture, distribution and selling licences.

And if you thought that you could dismiss the sub-county committee with a drunken gesture, you would do well to note that all deliberations “before a sub-county committee shall be deemed judicial proceedings.”

If you get a licence to sell alcohol, you must indicate, in writing, inside your premises, that selling of alcohol to people under 18 is illegal.

“It should be displayed on a surface not less than 12 inches by 8 inches, bearing the word ‘WARNING’ in capital letters,” the law says.

Failure to do that attracts a fine of up to Sh50,000, or a six-month jail term or both.

If you are found having sold alcohol to a child, you will be liable to a fine of Sh150,000 or a year in jail or both.