Authorities in Limuru have closed more than 10 bars and liquor distributors which failed to meet set requirements in an inspection exercise that was concluded on Monday.
The exercise, spearheaded by Limuru Sub-County administrator and chairman of the inspection committee Justus Mucira, was conducted in a bid to reign in rogue bar operations and to sustain the quality and standard of liquor business in the region.
Speaking after the conclusion of the exercise, Mucira reiterated the need for all liquor distributors to fully comply with the stipulated laws. He said that for a license to be issued, the premises had to meet all the required health standards.
“The building that houses the bar also needs to be in an acceptable condition approved by the housing department of the county government,” he said.
The administrator said that his office was also strict, particularly on bars’ proximity to schools.
“We have not awarded a license to any operator who is within a 500-metre radius of a school. This is in a deliberate effort to curb underage drinking, something the area is struggling with,” he said.
Operators who had criminal records pertaining to operations of bars in the area were locked out of the applications in what the administrator termed is as a result of the high standards that have been set in the area to control alcohol distribution and consumption.
Limuru has in the past been in the limelight for the wrong reasons on issues of bar operations.
Senior government and administrative officers from the region recently, at a public function, condemned the rising cases of unlicensed operators and operating outside the legal hours.
Mary Njau, who sits in the committee representing the public, said that as a resident of Limuru by birth, she was very keen to ensure that only the deserving applicants get a license of operation.
“I have been witness to the effect of having illegal operators. They are the ones that have caused massive deterioration of morals, financial growth and general under-development of this area,” she said.
She lauded the county government’s efforts and said that this will bring positive change to the society.
Mucira said that the second phase of application for new licenses was now open.