Rwanda has announced plans to crackdown on liquor stores that have transformed into bars without the necessary permits.
The country’s police said on Wednesday that liquor stores and groceries in Kigali are turning into bars in an unlawful way that will not be overlooked by law enforcement agencies.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye said a “crackdown operation” had been launched on liquor stores that have turned into bars and cause noise pollution, as reported by newtimes.co.ur
“A liquor store has the licence of a liquor store. How does it become a bar?” Namuhoranye said.
“Interestingly, you find an official among the people who are in that liquor store-turned bar. No! We are on a crackdown operation—that’s a very strong word. So, to anyone who owns a liquor store or grocery store and has turned his shop into a bar, we are coming after you.”
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of liquor stores operating as makeshift bars, often disregarding regulations related to noise levels, operating hours, and age restrictions. The conversion of these stores into bars has led to an upsurge in noise complaints, public disturbances, and instances of underage drinking.
Namuhoranye urged members of the media to help the law enforcement agencies in the ‘TunyweLess’ (or DrinkLess) campaign against alcoholism.
The police chief said if uncontrolled, the current problem could lead to a “wobbly generation” in the next 10 years.
“You don’t need to see this. Some of these people are your children, your relatives, and your country,” he said. “We say ‘Drink less.’ We could even say ‘no to alcohol,’ but someone mentioned people’s rights and freedom. But freedom that kills a generation?”
In September, the police and other institutions began enforcing a new regulation that demands night-time businesses close their activities at 1AM a.m. on weekdays and at 2AM on weekends.
The regulation, which came barely two months after the launch of the TunyweLess campaign, is meant to prevent noise pollution and promote healthy lifestyles.
Namuhoranye also warned bar owners without soundproof systems, who allow their customers to cause noise pollution using working hours as a pretext for ignoring the damage, that the Police would not tolerate it.
The government’s decision has been welcomed by many residents who have long voiced their concerns about the lack of control over these unauthorized bars. By cracking down on this practice, the authorities aim to create a safer and more regulated drinking environment, minimizing disturbances in residential areas and safeguarding public well-being.
