Liquor traders dealing in wines and spirits businesses have been warned against converting their shops into bars in Mavoko, Machakos county.
Athi River deputy county commissioner Charles Wambugu said some of the traders had tendencies to unlawfully convert their operation licences into bars.
“Converting wines and spirits premises into bars is against the public health provisions. When you have been licenced to sell wines and spirits for takeaway, you are just supposed to do that,” Wambugu said.
Wambugu addressed the press when he launched a 90-day Rapid Response Initiative crackdown on second-generation liquor at his office in Athi River town on Tuesday.
The administrator led the multi–agency subcounty team that conducted a swoop in eleven premises within Mlolongo and Mavoko divisions.
The six hours raid was conducted in liquor depots, distillers and retailers.
Athi River South subcounty police commander Mary Njoki, her Athi River East counterpart Anderson Njagi, area subcounty criminal investigations officer John Kanda and Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit boss Mohamed Nur accompanied Wambugu in the sting operations.
No arrests or liquor was confiscated during the raid.
Wambugu said officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Machakos branch and those from the county were part of the team.
“Those running wines and spirits businesses shouldn’t create room for people to buy, sit and drink in their premises. We warn such traders to desist from turning their premises into bars,” Wambugu said.
“The level of compliance in the premises that we have visited is impressive. We urge the investors in micro and medium enterprises in that sub-sector to continue ensuring that they comply with the regulations and legal frameworks set by both Kebs and KRA."
He said they had mobilised and activated their wards and divisional multi–agency teams in all four divisions in the subcounty. The divisions include Mavoko, Mlolongo, Kinanie and Lukenya.
Wambugu said one of the team’s roles was to remind the public alongside those trading in liquor on the importance of complying with regulations and frameworks.
“We want people to continue doing business, but let’s adhere to the liquor licencing conditions and timelines. If you are supposed to open your premises at 5 pm, do that and close at the right time,” Wambugu said.
He warned that those traders who fail to comply with stipulated laws will have their operational licences revoked and businesses closed.
