An association of bars and hotel owners in Kisii county has protested against the confiscation of their members’ business licenses and closure of clubs by a multi-agency team in an ongoing clampdown.
Bars and Hoteliers Owners Association officials cried foul over the manner in which their businesses were closed down allegedly by Kisii Municipality authorities.
But the Manager of Kisii Municipality, Nahashon Ongeri, clarified, the owners had contravened Liquor Licensing Board regulations with some operating Wines and Spirits businesses as clubs.
The manager cited stripping by females to entertain customers, operating beyond stipulated hours, and allowing the consumption of illegal intoxicating substances including Shisha.
Erick Matoke, the association’s chairman, claimed five clubs were affected and that no notice was issued nor consultations made in the move that rendered the workers jobless.
He petitioned the county government authorities to respect the business owner’s commitment to work with them to uplift the economy of the area amid current difficult times.
Evan Nyaboga the secretary, called for dialogue between them and the authorities to find an amicable solution.
According to the secretary, they should be allowed to operate since they had heavily invested in the businesses and paid taxes.
But a member,Charles Kiage,alleged the Municipal authorities had no capacity to close down the clubs and that his business was targeted for excelling in the entertainment industry in the area.
BY MUSA MARANGA