Nacada should raid bars, not close them

The National Agency for Control of Alcohol and Drugs Abuse wants government to close down all drinking places located 300 meters from schools. The Kenya Alcohol Supplement Law was pushed through in 2010 by Naivasha MP John Mututho to stop drunkenness, particularly in Central Province.

The law specified that bars should only open between 5pm and 11pm and bars should not be near schools. But these laws are virtually unenforceable. Clubs and restaurants are exempt from the ban on serving alcohol throughout the day. Most bars serve food so they are not stuck with the 5-11pm restriction.

The schools rule has not been enforced because probably half the bars in the country are within 300 metres of a school. It would cause chaos if it was strictly enforced. But this rule is inherently absurd. Pupils walk home from school, often for miles, and will pass many bars on the way. Should those bars also be closed?

Everyone agrees that children should not drink alcohol. But Nacada and the police should enforce this by raiding bars and arresting the owners if they find under-age drinkers. Closing down bars close to schools is not the solution.

Quote of the day: "I consider looseness with words no less of a defect than looseness of the bowels." - Protestant reformer John Calvin was born on June 10, 1509.