Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has rubbished Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s action of closure all bars in the fight against illicit brew in the country.
According to Mwadime, all bars and liquor stores that possess operating licenses granted by the Taita Taveta County Liquor and Licensing Committee to remain open despite the national government revoking their permits and directing their closure
Through a statement on Friday, the Governor said that the Committee observed all legal and required protocols when issuing the licenses and the national government has no legal rights to overlook the process.
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“It has come to my attention that the Taita Taveta County security team has closed down legal businesses of law-abiding citizens and withdrawn their licenses contrary to the Act.”
“The act states that the Sub-County Committee shall after considering the application, indicate in writing whether it objects to the grant of the licence applied for.”
Reports indicate that the bars and liquor stores in Taita Taveta are licensed by the Taita Taveta County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Act 2016 and the national government has no legal mandate to withdraw any licenses issued by the Committee.
“The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010), clearly stipulates that it is the function of the County Government to issue liquor licenses. Any licenses that were issued by the committee after meeting the criteria stipulated in the Act shall not be withdrawn and their businesses must not be closed.”
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The governor went ahead to order all the bar businesses and liquor stores within the county to continue operating and remain open, rubbishing the Interior CS’ directive.
“Therefore, I direct all businesses Inspected, approved, and issued with valid liquor licenses to continue operating within the stipulated time frame.”