Law enforcement agents in Marsabit Central sub-county have been directed to ensure that regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks are enforced to the letter.
Marsabit County commissioner Nobert Komora was on Wednesday appalled by what he termed as total disregard of the alcoholic drinks control act in Marsabit town.
Mr Komora who made impromptu visits to bars, wines and spirits outlets in the town expressed concern that operators of the outlets have been allowed to carry out their businesses without regard to the law.
“I made a visit to these places that sell alcoholic drinks within Marsabit town and I was shocked to realise that bars and wines and spirits outlets open doors as early as 8 am,” he noted, adding that some of the joints were operating without licenses.
The County Commissioner told KNA that virtually all operators of bars and other alcoholic drinks outlets were not in compliance with the alcoholic drinks control act despite spirited efforts on the same by NACADA.
He said that uncontrolled sale and consumption of alcohol in Marsabit town was impacting negatively on security and development in general.
Mr Komora ordered the sub-county committee on liquor to streamline the trade operations by ensuring that the premises in which the business is carried out meet the necessary sanitary standards and that wines and spirits joints do not have chairs in rows.
“All alcoholic outlets must adhere to the opening and closing timelines indicated in their licenses” he said and asked the county police commander Patrick Mwakio to ensure that the law is fully enforced not only in Marsabit town but across the county.
By Sebastian Miriti
