Bar owners ask Nacada to step up fight on counterfeit drinks

Bar owners in Nakuru have asked the anti-drugs agency to step up its war on counterfeit drinks.

The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) had invited the business people to give recommendations on how the laws governing the sector should be harmonised.

Nacada said they were liaising with the bar owners to craft new ways of enhancing implementation of the ‘Mututho laws’.

Nacada chairman John Mututho said he had received a memorandum from members of the Nakuru Bar Owners Association who raised various concerns that they wanted his organisation to consider to promote full compliance with the alcohol regulations.

“I had a fruitful discussion with Nakuru bar owners and they have raised pertinent issues, which we, as Nacada, will consider to ensure full compliance with the law,” said Mr Mututho in an interview.

The business people were concerned that counterfeit drinks were finding a ready market at wines and spirits outlets, and were being sold against the regulations.

“I have been to various counties and the concerns raised are almost the same, bordering on counterfeits and illicit drinks, which we urge the law enforcers to act upon,” the former Naivasha MP said.

He dismissed allegations that he was on a revenge mission to punish bar owners for not supporting him in Naivasha to recapture his seat in the last General Election.

“I have no personal vendetta against bar owners in Naivasha. They should feel free to discuss with me the best way forward in implementing the Mututho laws,” the Nacada chairman said.

On Saturday, liquor outlets on Kanu Street in Nakuru were closed after word went round that Mr Mututho’s team was conducting a random inspection of their businesses.

However, Mr Mututho said Nacada was not out to close their businesses, but rather, to regulate the industry.