NACADA Goes After Bars Near Schools, Orders Them Closed Down
NACADA revealed that the latest crackdown is aimed at enforcing regulations regarding the placement of bars and other alcohol dispensing outlets in proximity to educational institutions
Marvin Chege 
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and alcohol dispensing locations near educational facilities, including schools.
In a statement sent to Viral Tea on Monday, May 27, NACADA revealed that the latest crackdown is aimed at enforcing regulations regarding the placement of bars and other alcohol dispensing outlets in proximity to educational institutions or areas catering to individuals below the age of 18.
"The initiative is anchored on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which stipulates that such establishments must be situated no less than three hundred (300) meters away from any nursery, primary, secondary or other educational institutions serving individuals below the age of eighteen (Section 12 (1) (c))," the statement read in part.
Quiver Lounge along Thika Road. /FACEBOOK.QUIVER LOUNGE
NACADA announced its commitment to ensuring the execution of the crackdown in collaboration with relevant National and County Government Agencies.
It seeks to ensure strict compliance with legal requirements about the positioning of such outlets.
Moreover, NACADA indicated that the exercise serves as a reminder to all players, in the community, of their role in enhancing the safe development and wellbeing of our children.
"The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 further provides a penal liability for any person who sells alcoholic drinks in prohibited locations in the nature of a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both," added the statement.
This is the authority's latest attempt at eliminating alcohol and drug abuse among educational institutions and doing away with any item that may influence pupils and students to undertake the vice.
On Monday, May 20, NACADA announced that it would go after all billboards promoting alcoholic drinks and alcohol use, erected near learning institutions in Kenya.
In a statement, the authority took note of the increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country.
The authority lamented that this has been observed to be happening, despite the law proscribing advertisements that are misleading or deceptive or that are likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social effects of the alcoholic drink.
According to NACADA, schools should be secure environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviours.
"The presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions, therefore, undermines these endeavours by normalizing the consumption of alcohol and portraying it as an appealing and glamorous choice.
"NACADA calls on advertising agencies and businesses to exercise social responsibility by not erecting alcohol advertisements near learning institutions. By doing so, they can help protect youth from the negative impacts of alcohol marketing and support their journey towards healthy and productive futures," the statement read in part.
