Governor cracks the whip, closes 450 alcohol outlets for flouting regulations

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has revoked the licences of 450 alcohol businesses for flouting regulations.

Njuki closed down the outlets that did not meet requirements after the county carried out an inspection of the over 1,400 liquor businesses.

"After the inspection conducted between May 2 and May 8 last month, business owners who did not meet standards required were given a 14-day window to appeal," he said.

The governor was accompanied by MPs Gitonga Murugara (Tharaka), Patrick Munene and Kareke Mbiuki (Maara) during an intensive campaign to fight illicit liquor at DC Grounds in Chuka town. The multi-agency inspection teams checked for licences, whether the businesses were operating during regulation hours. Chuka, Chogoria, Marimanti and Kathwana towns are the only areas where nightclubs are allowed to operate.

Bars near learning institutions, hospitals, places of worship and residential areas were shut down. "For us to fix our economy, we must eliminate this menace," Njuki said.

He said those doing legitimate business would be allowed to operate as they had a role in economic growth.

"Alcohol distributors that bring in their products to Tharaka Nithi will have to either build or rent a warehouse," he warned.