Why Bars In Lavington, Kilimani, Kileleshwa Risk Ksh150,000 Fine, Losing Licences

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has expressed deep concern on reports of Kenyans selling alcoholic drinks to minors in Nairobi's affluent estates.

In a press statement sent to Viral Tea on Tuesday, December 17, the authority took note of notorious business owners dispensing alcoholic beverages to minors from outlets domiciled in petrol stations.

According to NACADA, a majority of the outlets are located within Nairobi's Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani and Ngong Road estates.

The authority further revealed a rising trend of underage buyers using mobile phones to make purchases from the dispensing outlets.

"This alarming trend is linked to the increased reliance on mobile money transactions, bypassing the requirement of verifying customers' ages. This is often premised on the assumption that anyone with mobile money is over 18 years old," stated NACADA in part.

The Authority went on to caution all alcohol dispensing outlets and the public of the following key provisions under The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, of 2010:

a) Selling alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited.

Section 32 (1) of the Act prohibits the sale or supply of alcoholic drinks to individuals under 18 years. Violation of this provision attracts a fine of up to Ksh150,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

b) Proper identification and age verification of customers is mandatory.

"Section 32 (4) mandates operators of alcohol-selling establishments to demand proof of age through valid identification before serving a customer. Non-compliance constitutes an offence under the Act," warned NACADA.

c) Non-compliance with Regulated Operating Hours will result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and license revocation.

Section 12 provides for prescribed operating hours for alcohol outlets as determined by respective County Alcoholic Drinks Control Committees. Operating outside these hours constitutes an offence.

"As we approach the festive season, NACADA reiterates its commitment to protecting Kenyans, particularly the youth," NACADA continued, adding that it will conduct nationwide crackdowns in collaboration with other enforcement agencies to ensure strict adherence to the law.

The Authority further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any outlets illegally selling alcohol to minors. To report violations or seek assistance on alcohol or drug-related issues, Kenyans were advised to contact NACADA through the toll-free helpline 1192.

This is not the first time NACADA is sounding an alarm regarding minors and school-going students gaining access to alcohol. On August 28, 2024, the authority, in response to a clip of students riding in a matatu being driven dangerously to an unknown destination, cited risks posed by alcohol and drug use as students travelled back to school for the Third Term.

NACADA stated that "Private and public vehicles can be hotspots for alcohol and drug use and distribution, especially during this period," adding that it is aware of students' pressures and risks, both within and outside the school environments, and their ability to trigger substance use. 

"It is our collective responsibility to protect our children from the dangers posed by alcohol and drug use. We urge parents, guardians, school authorities, and all of us to remain vigilant. Parents should also monitor their children's travel arrangements and ensure they know the potential dangers during transit," the statement by NACADA read in part.

The authority encouraged schools to empower students through education and open communication about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use. Schools were also tasked with implementing and strengthening preventive measures through awareness campaigns, peer support groups, and counselling services.