Inspection
Bar operators in Embu have called on the County Government to fast-track inspection of premises so that those affected by the closure in the crackdown of illicit brews can resume business.
They said since the closure of all bars ordered over two months ago pending fresh vetting, approximately 800 bars are yet to be inspected which has left owners in financial limbo. Embu County Bar Owners Association Chair Abraham Gicovi said so far, only 1,000 bars have been inspected and cleared to continue operating.
He called for speedy inspection of the 800 to enable owners to get back to business soon to alleviate their financial woes. “Some of our members are in a dire situation and unable to meet their financial obligations,” he said, while defending them against allegations of trading in counterfeit liquor.
Speaking during a meeting with members on Friday at Talent Academy Hall in Embu Town, Gicovi said none of them was involved in illicit trade and thus should not be unfairly targeted in the crackdown.
The Chair said they had put in place a self-regulation mechanism to ensure what is offered to patrons is safe. Gicovi said the economy of the county also stands to lose in terms of revenue collection if the devolved unit goes ahead to put many of them out of business in the name of waging war on illicit brews.
With regard to distance of bars from schools, the Association Secretary Taratisio Kawe said county laws allowed for one to operate even within the prohibited 300 meters provided there is a barrier between the premises and the school.
He however clarified that should there be any of their members whose premise becomes a nuisance to a school or sell liquor to children, then such a trader should be barred.
They also accused law enforcers of harassing them and demanding bribes as they threatened to close down bars whose owners fail to comply with their demands.
