The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a mandate closure of bars in proximity to educational institutions.
The act is founded on the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010 which requisite that such bars and such establishments be located at least 300 meters away from educational facilities serving people under the age of 18 years.
“NACADA is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our students. The presence of alcohol advertisements near schools undermines these efforts by normalizing alcohol and glamourous choice,” explained Anthony Omerikwa, CEO NACADA.
According to a statement issued by NACADA on Monday, the tendency continues despite existing laws that are against advisements which are misleading about the health hazard of alcoholic beverages.
Violators of this directive will face a fine of no further than Ksh 500,000, imprisonment for more than three years or even both.
The mandate comes a week after NACADA ordered the removal of billboards advertising alcoholic beverages near educational institutions.
According to NACADA, research shows that exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising near schools is associated with a higher livelihood of youth planning to consume alcohol.
The move has so far achieved commendable climax with the Interior Ministry reporting that 18,650 unlicensed alcohol joints have been closed as of March 25 2024.
12,150 establishments which were operating across 47 counties without licenses and 6,500 others which were licensed contrary to National Law on proximity lo learning institutions had also been shot down.
“We are calling on advertising agencies and business to act with social responsibility and avoid placing alcohol advertisements near schooling areas.
The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act provides a legal liability to any person who sells alcoholic drinks in restricted areas.
The initiative is amongst the latest in a series of other government initiatives aimed at curbing alcohol and substances abuse among the youth.
