Sub county security committees in Murang’a have recommended only 1, 715 bars to be licensed from the beginning of this financial year.
Following inspections done by members of the committees, 840 outlets were ordered to cease operations over flouting of various irregularities.
Some of the bars the committees established were acting as hideouts for criminals and trafficking of drugs with others found flouting the laid down regulations and selling of counterfeit brews.
All the approved bars and restaurants were expected to have paid for their licenses via the county government portal before closure of last financial year.
Murang’a Deputy County Secretary Bernard Wanyoike on Tuesday told KNA that the security committees settled on licensing of 13 night clubs, and 217 restaurants across the county.
“Last year more than 2,000 bar owners operated through a court order as they avoided the inspection and vetting process,” noted Wanyoike saying this time, the inspection was intense as the county is committed to crackdown on the selling of illicit brews and crimes related to alcoholism.
Bar and restaurants operators whose applications were rejected were advised to lodge an appeal within seven days upon payment of Sh.5, 000 appellate fee.
Governor Kang’ata speaking during a field day last week lauded the liquor committees for conducting the inspection of the outlets with diligence to the public satisfaction saying those whose applications were rejected will be given a fair hearing on appeal.
The conclusion of the licensing period encountered hue and cry after some administrators differed with the county government officials over claims that the approved lists of the applicants had been doctored inserting some of the rejected outlets.
Another issue that emerged included a doctored list of liquor brands approved for sale in the outlets.
When contacted, Murang’a County Police Commander David Kainga said the approved list will guide the county liquor board in ensuring only listed bars are allowed to operate.
“Those who will be caught flouting the regulations will be dealt with as the law provides,” said Kainga.
Categories for approval, Night clubs 13, Hotels 54, Bar and Restaurant 217, and bar only 1,431.
By Bernard Munyao
