By Antynet Ford
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has applauded the move by members of county assembly of Nyandarua after the signing of the bill prohibiting the sale of alcohol in wines and spirits and supermarkets in a move to end the consumption of illicit liquor and drug abuse in the county.
The Nyandarua County Alcoholic Drinks Act, 2023 is set to end the uptake of alcohol which according to previous statement by the DP has been an issue in the Central region.
Speaking while meeting the legislators at his official residence in Karen together with their Governor Badilisha Kiarie, Gachagua said it is a display of courage and determination of true service.
“Alongside your governor Badilisha Kiarie, who has signed the bill into law, the leaders have displayed immense courage and determination is true service to the people by enacting a people-centred legal framework regulating manufacturing, distribution and sale of alcohol.” Gachagua said.
The DP encouraged other legislators in the central region and across the country so as to save the youth from drug and substance addiction.
“The law is an outcome of the collective efforts between the national and county leadership. We look forward to intensifying these efforts for the enactment of similar laws in the region and across the country.” He added.
In the new law by the County Government of Nyandarua, every sub-county will have an alcoholic drinks regulation committee which will vet applications for liquor sellers, subsequently filing a quarterly report to the County Alcoholic Drinks Regulation and Management Committee.
The law also bars anyone from producing, manufacturing and selling alcohol in the county without a valid licence, contrary to which offenders could be fined Ksh30,000 or be jailed for a term not exceeding four months.
Supermarkets, chain retailers and restaurants will not be granted licences to sell alcohol. Licences will also not be granted to off-licence retail outlets commonly referred to as wines & spirits.