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Bar owners in Naivasha want Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to reduce the annual liquor licence fees.

They said more than 20 per cent of bars had closed down in the past year due to harsh economic times occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and high licence fees.

Their call came as the county government embarked on the process of vetting all liquor licences ahead of renewal.

Secretary to the owners association Joseph Maina said the high liquor licence fees and harassment by law enforcers had adversely affected their operations.

Speaking yesterday after holding a consultative meeting with county officials, Maina said their businesses were yet to fully recover from the pandemic.

“Bar owners have continued to suffer at the hands of the county and law enforcers leading to the closure of over 20 per cent of liquor outlets despite employing tens of area residents,” he said.

Maina revealed that bar owners were paying between Sh20,000 and Sh50,000 for a liquor licence, an amount he termed as too high and unaffordable to many.

He, however, commended the county government for engaging them, noting that the talks could help in addressing the challenges they are facing.

“We have agreed that going forward there will be no harassment by law enforcers and that the county will address the high liquor licensing fees,” he said.

Naivasha sub-county administrator Catherine Muiruri said the meeting was meant to prepare the traders on the conditions required before getting operating licenses.