The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Monday, May 27 announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and liquor outlets located near learning institutions.
In a statement, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the crackdown is anchored on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which stipulates that such establishments must be situated no less than three hundred meters away from any nursery, primary, secondary, or other educational institutions serving individuals below the age of eighteen.
“The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) hereby announces a Nationwide Crackdown 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 eighteen,” read the statement in part.
Omerikwa said the crackdown will be executed in collaboration with relevant National and County Government Agencies and seeks to ensure strict compliance with legal requirements about the positioning of such outlets.
“Moreover, it serves as a reminder to all players, in the community, of their role in enhancing the safe development and well-being of our children,” said Omerikwa.
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The NACADA CEO further warned Kenyans selling alcoholic drinks in prohibited locations would face a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
This comes a week after NACADA announced a nationwide crackdown on all billboards promoting alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of schools.
The authority on Monday, May 20 pointed out that there was increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country.
NACADA noted that the presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions normalizes the consumption of alcohol and portrays it as an appealing and glamorous choice to learners.
