In a move to combat illicit brew which the government has termed to be a national menace the ministry of interior has announced new measure to tackle the alcoholism in the country.
In the new changes, the government has directed the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to within 60 days review guidelines to increase the minimum quantity of alcoholic drinks packaging from 250ml to 750ml or more, as required by the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made the announcement today at an event hosted by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Karen residents aimed at announcing far-reaching measures against the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of Illicit Brews, Drugs and Substance Abuse.
“To enforce compliance on package according to the Alcoholics Drinks Control Act, the Kenya Bureau of Standards shall within 60 days, review the guidelines on minimum quantity of alcoholic drinks to enhance the same from 250ml to 750ml or higher.” Stated Kindiki.
He at the same time announced that the Government has suspended all licenses for second generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers issued by KRA, KEBS with immediate effect; All existing valid licenses to be vetted afresh within 21 days.
Kindiki also directed KEBS to ensure all industrial ethanol is denatured or marked with a denaturing agent (denatonium benzoate) within 45 days. This is to prevent diversion and/or accidental use of industrial ethanol in alcohol manufacture.
The CS has ordered the immediate shutdown of bars, clubs operating within residential areas and around schools.
“No bars or alcoholic outlets shall be allowed to operate beyond the stipulated operation hours as provided in section 34 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, failure to which the operator shall be fined or imprisoned as provided by law and all the drinks, and related accessories in the premises forfeited with accompanying license withdrawal.” stated the CS.
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