The Nakuru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Amendment Bill,2024 was on Friday March 8, 2024 subjected to public participation.
The Bill seeks to streamline the liquor sector in Nakuru.
Initially, the county has been using the Nakuru County Alcoholic Drinks Act, 2014.
The Friday’s Public participation session was spearheaded by County Assembly Committee on Trade, Tourism, Co-operatives and Planning Committee chaired by Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja.
The session saw stakeholders among them bar owners as well as wines and liquor outlets owners give their views that will be included in the report of the committee.
Addressing Journalists after the session, the Committee’s Chairperson MCA Stanley Karanja noted that the principal objective of the Bill is to amend the provisions of the Nakuru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2024 by deleting provisions on establishment and Management of the Nakuru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Fund.
Other amendments include deleting provisions on establishment and functions of the Enforcement Committee and make provision on powers of the County Executive Committee Member to zone different regions in the County.
“We thought it wise to have amendments which will help address issues around liquor sector in our county,” he said.
The amended law will see no wines and spirits outlets operate near bus or matatu stages as well as near schools.
For alcohol addicts, a fund shall be put in place to help on matters rehabilitation.
Bar, Hotel and Liquor Traders Association Secretary General Boniface Gachoka on his part lauded the County Assembly of Nakuru for coming up with such.
He reiterated that the Association will continue to give inputs on such reforms that are meant to streamline the sector and ensure traders get value in their businesses.