The Pubs and Restaurant Association of Kenya has faulted the government’s move on a complete ban of alcohol in social joints.
PERAK says that its members have already invested between Ksh 200,000 to half a million just to resume operations and ensure governments’ directives are followed.
It is estimated that close to 1.8 million Kenyans will lose their jobs in the sector if the ban was to be effected
“Our sector supports more than 1.8 million people directly and indirectly and we are afraid that a collective punishment because of the wrongs a few would have not only been unfair but would end up with dire consequences for them and their families,” said Alice Opee the National Vice Chairman for PERAK.
This has come as blow to these restaurants and they are now blaming the government for effecting a blanket ban rather than punishing the errant members who have failed to abide by the set regulations.
The Ministry of Health initiated the process of banning the sale of alcohol to sit-in customers in business establishments as a measure to curb rising Covid-19 cases.
The ban, which currently is at the consultation stage, will affect “restaurants, eateries, bars, food courts, entertainment joints, supermarkets, liquor shops and any other business establishment”.
According to reports from the parties privy to the on goings, the Attorney General’s office has already drafted the rules which have been sent to stakeholders for consultation.
The draft says that anybody who commits an offence under these Rules shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.
The proposed Covid-19 Sale of Alcoholic Drinks Rules 2020, provide that businesses, where alcohol is sold, will operate between 9am-7.30pm.
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