In a bid to curb underage drinking and regulate alcohol access in high-risk environments, Kenya has released a draft policy that would see a slew of alcohol restrictions.
The policy has been drafted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse NACADA and suggests raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, banning home delivery of alcohol through digital platforms and vending machines, and restricting alcohol sales within 300 metres of schools, places of worship and residential homes.
Devendra Asher , Group GM of Panari Hotels Resorts, says: Contrary to circulating rumours, NACADA has not issued any ban on the sale or consumption of alcohol within duly licensed hotels or lodges. He emphasised that the new policy does not target hotel bars or restaurants.
While the proposals dont affect fully licensed establishments, the backlash from hotel owners, restaurateurs and tourism stakeholders was swift with fears that such a move would destabilise an already vulnerable sector, trigger job losses and drive tourists to competing destinations in the region.
Alcohol represents roughly 30 of total revenue at our restaurants, says Shamim Ehsani , Co-Founder and Marketing Director for Tribe Hotel. Hero, our sushi and cocktails concept at Trademark Hotel, derives 50 of its revenue from alcohol sales. It has been listed among the worlds 50 best bars since 2021 and is currently Africas top-ranked bar. Removing alcohol would cripple our concept and cost us international recognition.