The Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board will not license bars and other alcoholic drink outlets operating about 300 meters from schools starting this year.
This aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Interior about three months ago ordering the closure of such alcoholic drinks outlets.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Board’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Mbabu Muguna said this was to protect learners, especially those below 18 years, from being lured to consumption of alcohol out of their curiosity, as was happening with a majority of the learners.
“As a Board, we have made a firm stand that we will be very strict in issuance of liquor licenses this year to avoid licensing such premises,” said Dr. Muguna.
He said owners of such bars tended to use dubious means to acquire licenses but warned that if they find their way out, the Board would not hesitate to cancel the license or even close down the premises.
Dr. Muguna called for concerted efforts between the Board and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), especially chiefs and their assistants, to ensure that the directive was implemented.
“The administrators are part of the inspection committee that approves bars and alcoholic drinks outlets that should be licenced, and I am therefore calling on them to join hands with other members to ensure that no such bars are approved for licensing,” said Dr. Mbabu.
He said bars near learning institutions usually compromise the safety of learners, especially during school hours and extracurricular activities.
“Alcohol-related incidents such as violence, accidents, and disturbances spill over into school grounds jeopardising the safety and security of students, staff, and even visitors,” said Dr Muguna.
Meru County has 63 bars, local brews, wines, and spirits outlets close to schools, according to a mapping that was carried out by the State Department for Basic Education, but Dr. Muguna believes that this number is higher as some premises even closer to the learning institutions were not included in the list.
By Dickson Mwiti