KNCCI Saves 43 Bars In Nairobi Facing Closure

The 43 bars that were blacklisted by the Nairobi liquor and Licensing Board for noise pollution will not face closure until talks between the board and the bar owners are established.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) boss Richard Ngatia said he had convened a meeting with the Nairobi County Liquor Licencing Board which agreed to dialogue with the bar owners, a day after it announced the revocation of licenses.

“Following the order by Nairobi City County Council Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board to revoke liquor licenses of 43 clubs over noise pollution, I intervened with the board & it was agreed all bar owners shall be invited to dialogue to discuss a suitable agreement to protect business owners & residents,” Ngatia tweeted.

Ngatia added that KNCCI is committed to protecting businesses, highlighting the need for discussions to come up with a lasting solution for the well-being of the residents and the bar owners.

“The board agreed not to close any bars till such dialogue has ensued. We urge all bar owners to follow the law as regards noise pollution in residential areas & ensure roads are not congested by their patrons,” he added.

Following noise complaints from residents, the Nairobi liquor and licensing board revoked the licenses of 43 notorious bars in the city. According to the Director of liquor licensing Hesbon M Angwena, the bar operators failed to comply with the set guidelines despite arrests and arraignments in court.

“By a copy of these Memo, you are instructed to start the process of cancellation, revocation and closing down the under-listed premises as the provision of the Nairobi  City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Act 2014 in line with section 21(1) and 35(3),” Director of liquor licensing Hesbon M Angwena said in a statement.

Among the blacklisted bars are Quiver Lounge and Loft in Roysambu, Clique Lounge (Kibra), Pioneer Resort (Embakasi West), Sufra in Westlands, Orchid Lounge in Kibra, Edus Bar in Kibra, La Baite (Kibra), Vineyard (Roysambu), Paris (Roysambu), Coco Rico (Roysambu), Bar Next door (Lang’ata), Kettle House Bara and Grill (Dagoretti North), Tipsy Lounge (Dagoretti North), Onix (Ngong Road), Oyster in Kilimani and Grace House Resort at Yaya Center.