Balala now okays sell of alcohol in hotels on one condition

Hotels and restaurants have been allowed to serve alcoholic drinks to clients. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has said.

Issuing a clarification on the presidential recent directive that banned sell of alcoholic drinks to patrons, Balala on Wednesday August 5^th said there has been intensive intra ministries discussions over the confusion and that what came out of their deliberations was that alcohol can now be served in hotel private rooms and not in public places.

The CS was responding to a letter he received from Chief Executive Officer CEO Kenya Association of Health Keepers and Caterers AHKC, Mr. Machado Mike who wanted further advice on the thorny matter that was greatly affecting the hospitality industry in the country.

“The President’s announcement on the issue of the sale of alcohol was clear that alcohol should not to be sold to the public in hotels/restaurants to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, after consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, serving of alcohol can only be served in private and in their rooms and not in the public domain,” reads the letter dated August 4, 2020.

To slow down the ever rising numbers of Covid-19 infections in the country, Kenyatta on July 27 had totally banned alcohol selling and ordered bars and any other drinking joints immediately shut down until that time the viral rates would go down.

Uhuru was worried that the ongoing socialization in the country and especially in recreational areas was the main reason the virus was spreading very fast.

“…there shall be no sale of alcoholic beverages in eateries and restaurants across the territory of the republic of Kenya effective midnight today for the next 30 days,” said Kenyatta on July 27.

And with this new directive from Mr. Balala, at least hotel/ restaurant owners will have a reason to remain in business atleast for now.