Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-04 13:39:51
Bar owners in Nairobi can now heave a sigh of relief as the County Government has decided to reduce the prices for licenses in the General Retail Alcoholic Category for the Financial Year 2023/2024. This move comes after the Finance County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, Charles Kerich, issued a gazette notice with the approval of Governor Johnson Sakaja, allowing traders to pay the revised fees for the remaining period of the financial year.
The notice, which was issued in accordance with the powers conferred by Section 5 (2) (a) of the Nairobi City County Tax Waivers Administration Act, 2013, stated that waivers have been granted on certain charges and fees for the financial year 2023-2024. Bar owners will now be required to pay Ksh25,000, a significant reduction from the initial Ksh100,000 fee.
Medium-sized bars will also benefit from a 65 percent waiver, allowing them to acquire licenses at Ksh35,000. Similarly, under the Bars and Restaurants category, a 50 percent waiver has been applied, capping the license fee at Ksh50,000. Small bar and restaurant owners with a seating capacity of less than 30 will enjoy a 100 percent waiver on fees.
Medium Bar and Restaurants will now be required to pay Ksh75,000 instead of Ksh100,000. Larger establishments with a seating capacity of over 31 to 100 seats will also be exempt from license fees under the new directive. These revisions were made following a report from a taskforce appointed by the Governor, which highlighted the high licensing fees that were burdening bar owners.
However, while the reduction in fees will come as a relief to bar owners, the County Government has also been cracking down on liquor store operations in areas near bus stops, with 120 stores closed down in the past week. Governor Johnson Sakaja cited the selling of alcohol near bus stops as a contributing factor to reckless driving and accidents in the public transport sector in the capital.
The revised fees aim to strike a balance between supporting small businesses in the hospitality sector and ensuring public safety on the streets of Nairobi. By reducing the financial burden on bar and restaurant owners, the County Government hopes to stimulate economic growth and create a safer environment for residents and commuters in the city.
Overall, the decision to lower license fees for bars and restaurants in Nairobi is a positive development for the local business community, signaling a commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting responsible alcohol sales practices in the county.
Read the original article on Kenyans.co.ke
