The government has revoked all mnazi (palm wine) selling licences in Kwale county.
Traders have to reapply new licences as the government fights illegal brew, drugs and substance abuse.
Msambweni deputy county commissioner Josephat Mutisya said mnazi sellers have seven days to reapply, failing which they will be arrested and charged.
He said mnazi traders must register with the County Liquor Licensing Board and obtain certification before conducting business.
Mutisya said sellers must be thoroughly vetted before being licensed.
He said the government is committed to ensuring liquor sellers and bars operate within the parameters of the law and they sell the recommended alcohol brands.
Mutisya said as nationwide crackdown on illicit brew is ongoing, the mnazi business is not spared and operators must follow suit.
The county has about 4,000 mnazi sellers.
The Kwale government legalised mnazi in response to traders pressure to have the commodity recognised and valued, increase revenue collection and bring sanity to the business.
However, the traditional wine has in the past been associated with social vices along the coastal belt.
It is believed many families have broken up due to mnazi abuse by men and women who spend their time in brew joints.
Some people have been reported to have deserted work because of mnazi.
Many children are said to have joined crime and moved to the streets because addicted parents could not pay school fees and cater to their needs.
Mutisya said this is one of the reasons mnazi traders must ensure their businesses are licensed and operate as per the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010.
"We don't want any bar or mangwe to be operated near public institutions like schools," he said.
Mutisya said all mangwes (mnazi dens) must follow public health directives and traders must present themselves properly and work in a conducive environment.
He said some mangwes are filthy, with no toilets or running water.
Mutisya said operators who cannot follow the rules should consider other business opportunities.
He said the government will not back down in its fight against illicit brew, counterfeit goods, drugs and substance abuse.
"The war has just started. There is no hiding. You must either comply with the regulations or leave and pursue other opportunities," the administrator said.
He urged the community to support government's efforts to bring order to the sector and to report perpetrators.
Kwale County Licensing Board Liquor director Richard Onsongo urged the government to ensure mnazi sellers are not harassed after registering their businesses.
He decried the practice of police officers harassing brew sellers despite having business licenses.
Onsongo also urged the government to assist bar owners in identifying genuine alcohol and manufacturers.
