The Nairobi County Government has issued new rules to guide licensing of bars and night clubs as war against illicit liquor and weeding out such businesses in residential areas gathers momentum across the country.
As per the new rules:
- Night clubs need to be established in zones which are considered to be predominantly commercial nodes with minimal residential developments.
- Night clubs should be located in areas with adequate space to accommodate the target population, and to employ adequate and stringent measures to manage traffic flow during peak hours thus preventing congestion and noise pollution.
- All clubs are required to implement soundproofing measures to prevent noise pollution to adjacent buildings/developments and minimize disturbances and create a buffer zone between bar and restaurants, and residential properties in commercial nodes which are in close proximity to residential areas.
“Going forward, we will ensure sound and informed decisions are made to streamline effective service delivery and equal business operating standards in all liquor business operations across Nairobi County,” chief Officer, Business and Hustler Opportunities, Zipporah Mwangi said.
The County has also gazetted zoned areas for the establishment of night clubs. The areas capture the boundaries within the CBD, inclusive of lanes indicating that the night clubs shall not be located within the boundaries of the government square or within government precinct.
According to the new rules, night clubs should not be located along Karen Road because of proximity to the Deputy President’s official residence. On major roads (Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Eastern Bypass, Kangundo Road and Kiambu Road), the approvals will be based on strict adherence to the guiding principles.
In August last year, the the Liquor department had issued approximately 7,000 outlets with licenses, enabling them to operate liquor businesses lawfully as mandated by the 2014 Act.
The county also said it will map liquor businesses in all its 17 sub-counties targeting retailers of alcoholic drinks (wines & spirits shops), wholesalers, distributors, bars and restaurants, members clubs, and hotels
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