Liquor Traders Raise Alarm Over NACADA’s New Alcohol Regulations

By John Kariuki

The Small and Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) has issued a strongly worded statement opposing sections of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA)'s newly proposed alcohol control regulations, warning that they could cripple livelihoods and undermine small enterprises across the country.

In the statement, MELTA Chairman Frank Mbogo acknowledged that some of NACADA’s reforms such as increased public education, monitoring of outlets, local rehabilitation programs, and protection for persons with disabilities are commendable. However, he cautioned that several restrictive measures within the 2025 policy framework could have devastating economic consequences.

One of MELTA’s primary concerns is the proposal to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years. According to MELTA, this demographic accounts for up to 80 percent of the current workforce in the liquor and hospitality sectors. “Over two million adults aged 18 to 20 derive their livelihoods from liquor-related businesses. Raising the drinking age will not only render them jobless but may also fuel the consumption of illicit and dangerous alcohol,” the statement reads.

MELTA also criticized the proposed restriction barring alcohol outlets from operating within 300 meters of learning institutions, places of worship, and residential areas. In densely populated urban centers like Nairobi, such zoning would force widespread closure of legitimate businesses. “Where will these traders go if the city does not even have space to accommodate such separation?” the statement questioned.

Another contentious issue is the proposed ban on online alcohol sales and home deliveries, which MELTA argues would decimate micro-enterprises that emerged in response to modern consumer trends. Many of these businesses, the statement notes, are run by young entrepreneurs who took loans to purchase motorcycles for deliveries and are still repaying them.

MELTA now urges NACADA and the government to undertake a thorough impact assessment of the proposed rules in consultation with industry stakeholders before finalizing the policy.

“We propose a win-win mechanism that promotes responsible alcohol consumption without destroying jobs and businesses,” said Chairman Mbogo. “We are willing to work with NACADA and other partners to achieve a balance between public health and economic resilience.”

As debate around alcohol policy intensifies, MELTA is calling on the government to prioritize dialogue and inclusivity, insisting that medium traders deserve to be heard.