NACADA Bans Sale of Alcohol in Supermarkets, Online, Bus Parks, Beaches and 10 Other Areas
- The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) launched a new policy on drug and substance abuse
- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen explained why the new policy will be key, especially to the police
- In a bid to prevent, reduce, and control access to and availability of alcohol, the new policy lists areas where the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has unveiled a new policy to curb alcohol and drug abuse in the country.
Source: Facebook
On Wednesday, July 30, NACADA launched the National Policy for Prevention, Management, and Control of Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse.
What is the objective of the new NACADA policy?
While unveiling the new policy, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the ministry will empower the National Police Service to intensify operations to get rid of illicit brew.
"The policy empowers us to intensify our operations against drug cartels, illicit brewers, and peddlers who prey on the vulnerability of our people, including children. The National Police Service, working with specialised units and intelligence agencies, will enhance surveillance, dismantle supply networks, and ensure that those who profit from this menace are brought to justice," Murkomen said.
According to NACADA, the main objective of the new policy is to prevent, reduce, and control access to and availability of alcohol, drugs and substances of abuse.
It also aims to protect children, youth and the public from excessive, misleading, or deceptive inducements of alcohol advertising, promotion, and marketing.
In which areas has NACADA banned the sale of alcohol?
To achieve its objective, NACADA has listed areas where the sale of alcohol is prohibited under the new policy.
The following modes and places of sale shall be prohibited;
1. Vending machines.
2. Public beaches, public parks, amusement parks, and recreational facilities.
3. Medical facilities, sports facilities.
4. Bus parks, bus stops.
5. Petrol stations, railway stations.
6. Public transport, including trains, ferry stations, piers, and along the highways.
7. Hawking.
8. Online sale of alcohol.
9. Home deliveries and couriers.
10. Supermarkets.
11. Outlets selling products associated with children, such as toy shops.
12. Residential premises and areas.
13 . Restaurants.
14. Basic education, tertiary, and higher learning institutions.
Further, the policy states that retail shops for alcoholic drinks should be situated 300 meters away from schools and any learning institution.
"Licensing of any outlet retail (on-license and off-licence) or wholesale located within a minimum of three hundred metres from any nursery, primary, secondary, and higher learning institutions shall be prohibited," the police reads.
Source: Facebook
What is the age limit for drinking alcohol?
In the same policy, NACADA has proposed changing the age limit of alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 years of age.
This could officially mark the end of the 18-year age limit that has been in existence for years.
NACADA said the new policy will follow legal frameworks before officially becoming law.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
