In summary
- He has cautioned that if not addressed the investors will walk out and government will lose hundreds of millions in revenue.
- Gachoka says that they 100 percent support Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s efforts since illicit brews in Central region have cost many people their lives.
The National Bar Hotels and Liquor Traders Association, Bhalita has now cautioned rogue government officers against harassing legal bar and liquor traders in the central region in the name of fighting illicit brew.
The association led by its Secretary General Boniface Gachoka says that he is aware that there are government officers taking advantage of the situation to frustrate bar owners and liquor traders.
“We know that there are government officers who are fighting well regulated and approved investors. The other day, more than 200 bar owners in Nyeri town were arrested and taken to court only for the court to throw the entire case out,” lamented Gachoka.
He has cautioned that if not addressed the investors will walk out and government will lose hundreds of millions in revenue.
Alcohol in central is demand driven
“Alcohol consumption in Central Province is driven by demand. If you close the legitimate bars, they will be forced to go to these illicit dens to drink and it is not good,” he said.
Gachoka says that they 100 percent support Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s efforts since illicit brews in Central region have cost many people their lives.
“These illicit brews are not only dangerous but they are also denying the government a lot of revenue. We support the fight 100 percent,” he said.
The Association took side with some of the proposals presented in ending the scourge in the Central region to include; amendments of county specific bills to align with the Alcohol control Act 2010, the need to conduct a census covering distributers of alcoholic drinks in the County and the establishment of Inter- Governmental Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
“We however should be engaged in order for this to work smoothly without hurting the millions who are employed by these bar and restaurant owners,” he said.
