Kileleshwa Bars in Kilimani Exposed for Selling Alcohol to Minors
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a stern warning to alcohol distributors engaging in unscrupulous practices that allow minors to purchase alcoholic beverages.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, December 17, NACADA highlighted a disturbing trend where minors access alcohol from dispensing outlets located inside petrol stations in Nairobi’s upscale estates, including Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Ngong Road.
The authority revealed that many of these transactions are facilitated via mobile money, with sellers assuming that possession of a mobile wallet indicates legal drinking age.
“The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is deeply concerned by reports of minors accessing alcoholic beverages, particularly from dispensing outlets located in petrol stations within Nairobi’s Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Ngong Road estates,” NACADA said in its statement.
“This alarming trend is linked to the increased reliance on mobile money transactions, bypassing the requirement of verifying customers’ ages. This is often premised on the assumption that anyone with mobile money is over 18 years old,” it added.
Tough Penalties for Violators
NACADA warned that sellers who flout the law risk severe penalties, including fines of up to KES 150,000, jail terms of up to 12 months, or both, as stipulated under Section 32 (1) of The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010.
The authority emphasized the need for alcohol-selling establishments to demand proof of age through valid identification before serving customers.
Additionally, outlets operating outside regulated hours were cautioned about facing stringent measures such as fines, imprisonment, and license revocation if found in violation.
NACADA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and safety, urging the public to report any cases of non-compliance
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Kileleshwa Bars in Kilimani Exposed for Selling Alcohol to Minors