Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera has announced his intent to amend the country’s alcohol control laws.
In a letter to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Chimera requested permission to introduce a bill that would change the licensing and operation hours of nightclubs. Under Chimera’s proposal, nightclubs would operate from 7 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and from 7 pm to 2 am on weekends. “I wish to present a bill aimed at addressing alcohol abuse by amending the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, specifically Schedule 4, part 5 (0), to change the operating hours from ‘7:00 pm to 3:00 am’ to ‘7:00 pm to 11:00 pm’ on weekdays,” Chimera stated in his letter.
Additionally, the Senator seeks to shift the responsibility of licensing liquor joints from county governments back to the national government. He argued that these changes are necessary due to the increasing concern over alcohol abuse in recent months.
Chimera emphasized that the amendments would support ongoing government efforts to combat alcohol abuse. “As you know, alcohol abuse, characterized by excessive and unhealthy consumption, significantly hinders the health, social, and economic development of Kenyans,” he said.
“The Government of Kenya has taken numerous steps to address alcoholism, including establishing agencies like NACADA to tackle alcohol and drug abuse and setting up treatment and rehabilitation centers nationwide.”
Chimera’s move aligns with current national policies aimed at curbing alcohol abuse. Among these efforts is the removal of alcohol outlets near learning institutions, as enforced by the police.
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