By Gerald Mukembu
The CEO of the Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board, Dr. Mbabu Muguna, has launched a decisive campaign against bars and alcoholic beverage outlets located near educational institutions.
Effective this year, the Board will no longer issue licenses for establishments operating within 300 meters of schools. Dr. Muguna highlighted the detrimental impact these outlets have on the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors, citing a rise in violence, accidents, and disturbances spilling over onto school grounds.
“Bars situated near learning institutions undermine the safety of learners, particularly during school hours and extracurricular activities. We will take firm action,” Dr. Muguna stated.
This initiative aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Interior issued approximately three months ago, which called for the closure of alcoholic beverage outlets close to schools.
Dr. Muguna expressed concern that such establishments often attract minors, exposing them to the risks of alcohol consumption. “As a Board, we are committed to stringent enforcement regarding the issuance of liquor licenses this year to prevent the licensing of these premises,” he said.
He also warned that some bar owners use questionable tactics to obtain licenses and threatened that if such practices are identified, the Board would not hesitate to revoke licenses or shut down the offending establishments.
Dr. Muguna urged collaboration between the Board and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), particularly chiefs and their assistants, to enforce the new regulations effectively.
“The administrators play a crucial role in the licensing inspection committee and must work together with other stakeholders to ensure that no bars in close proximity to schools receive approval for licensing,” he emphasized.
According to a mapping conducted by the State Department for Basic Education, there are currently 63 bars, local brew outlets, and wine and spirits shops near schools in Meru County. However, Dr. Muguna believes the actual number is higher, as some outlets closer to schools were not included in the initial survey.
