Don't victimise genuine liquor traders

Following media reports that the crackdown on illicit liquor has led to attacks on bars, distributors and other chain businesses conducting genuine and licensed trade, it is necessary for us to pause and think critically about the latest approach to the fight against killer brews.

From the outset, it is imperative to state that consumption of illicit alcohol is something we all need to join hands and fight. The number of deaths and complete loss of eyesight by a number of Kenyans after consumption of illicit liquor laced with unknown toxic substances shows why trade in these dangerous drinks should not be tolerated.

Unfortunately, the current onslaught on 'illicit drinks' has affected consumers of safe beverages sold by duly licensed brewers by not only targeting and destroying legally manufactured drinks, which have been licensed by the government and certified as safe to drink by regulatory authorities, but also criminalising the business of alcohol selling itself.

Every genuine drink destroyed in the fight against killer brews means shillings taken away from those who play by the rules. It's a big challenge for which the government and law enforcement agencies have to find a quick solution. The incredibly hard work genuine players in the industry under the umbrella of National Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (NABAK) have put in to ensure that alcohol is manufactured to the best standards that comply with the highest international standards and sold responsibly, counts for little when mobs descend on bars and other chain businesses legally going about their businesses.

We need enforcement agencies to take serious action against any manufacturers and retailers found to be selling illicit alcohol – their licences should be revoked immediately, but there is also fear that if this is not done in a proper way, legitimate businesses will suffer.

Collectively it is up to us all to help tackle this problem whether through raising awareness and changing perceptions, influencing the public not to buy illicit or counterfeit products plus supporting legitimate businesses, all of which will help make Kenya a hostile environment for the peddlers of killer drinks.

But the blanket attack on the industry is a bad sign to investors, especially coming at a time that Kenya is trying hard to market itself as an ideal investment destination to foreign investors. As a general rule of business, investors don't put their money in environments where there is uncertainty.

The Government has banned the manufacture of second generation alcoholic spirits, but as the NABAK has stated in press notices in the past few days, proper and clear definition of second-generation alcoholic spirits needs to made to avoid misinterpretation that will lead to unnecessary harassment of innocent and legally trading establishments by law enforcement personnel.

As it stands, hundreds of bar tenders and waitresses have lost their jobs and dozens of bars closed. The Kenya Revenue Authority is also losing out as it can't collect taxes on legitimately licenced liquor.

Looked at objectively, the current onslaught on mainstream products like those from UDV- a subsidiary of KBL - actually penalises responsible manufacturers, formal drinkers and those who run licensed beer outlets, leaving thousands of illicit brewing dens where irresponsible drinkers continue doing their thing unabated.

It is unfortunate that legitimate business can be attacked on the premise of fighting illicit liquor. All our drinks have the requisite clearance from Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS), genuine KRA stamps and clearance from NACADA. There is need for clarity from the authorities on the second-generation drinks since there is danger of genuine businesses being destroyed.

With the support of law-enforcement and regulators, the country can collectively win the war against illicits and get people drinking genuine brands responsibly. At KBL, we have already taken the initiative through a responsible drinking campaign that seeks to encourage and educate Kenyans on how they can enjoy their drinks responsibly as they take due care of their safety.