The Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) has called on bar operators to be compliant with the Alcoholic Drinks Control and licensing Acts to avoid unnecessary hitches.
Addressing press in Athi River on Thursday, Nairobi Region chairman Patrick Muya said those in the industry should all read and understand their business licenses to avoid being harassed by regulatory authorities.
He advised the operators to take advantage of the devolved Liquor Control and Licensing functions within their respective counties of operations to fully legalise their businesses.
The chairman said major challenge among its members was indirect extortion by certain regulators, hence condemned such individuals who take advantage of ignorant entrepreneurs.
He asserted that authorities should not criminalise legitimate liquor businesses unless those engaged were in breach of legislations that regulate the industry.
“The authorities should not use illicit liquor to harass legitimate businesses since illicit liquor is sold in illegitimate business,” said Muya.
Muya called on the county governments to adhere to the Alcoholic Drinks Control and licensing Acts as they amend some of its sections to fit their specific counties.
This call comes barely fortnight after a bar operator at Mlolongo town was fined by a Mavoko court for being in breach of Section 34(1) of the Alcoholic Drink Control Act No. 4 of 2010.