Bar and restaurant owners want the government to go slow on closing down the businesses which are located near schools, saying they should be given more time. They said the government ought to consider the investment they have made for these businesses and their contribution to the growth of the economy.

Through their lobby, Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA), the traders argued that closing down more that 2,000 business have a huge effect on the hospitality sector as well as the country’s economy.

Led by their national chairman Simon Njoroge, they said some bars were established earlier before the schools and they do not influence the behaviour among school-going children.

Speaking during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Murang’a, Njoroge said they have started negotiations with the government to have the implementation of the directive suspended.

“Some bars have already been closed down but we need more time to deliberate on the issue and get a solution to it,” said Njoroge. “Now that the schools have closed, those businesses should be allowed to operate during the festive season,” he added.

The Interior ministry directed NACADA and security teams to close bars that operate within 300 metres of schools.

Njoroge said through their association, they have ensured members don’t sell alcoholic drinks to students, saying closure of the outlets render thousands of people jobless.

The traders also decried harassment by security agents and called for harmonisation of laws that regulate liquor outlets and the licensing fee.

They said some counties have punitive liquor laws and also charge exorbitant fees on licenses thus exploiting the traders.

Boniface Gachoka, the association’s secretary said setting regulations and licensing fee will save them from exploitation by the security and county officials.