Uganda has ordered bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments to remain closed until 3 p.m. on working days as part of a government crackdown on early-morning drinking.
The directive also said Local Government should regulate the operating of betting companies within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with the aim of protecting communities, particularly young people from harmful practices associted with betting.
The statement, issued by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara on Tuesday, August 11, requires local authorities to enforce restrictions on the operating hours of alcohol outlets and discourage people from spending their mornings drinking instead of working.
According to the minister, the measure is intended to tackle social problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including idleness, family difficulties and rising crime in some communities.
Under the directive, bars, Malwa joints and other establishments that sell alcohol are not permitted to open before 3 p.m. on working days.
However, the enforcement of the restriction will be subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful regulations issued by local governments.
The minister warned that operators who repeatedly disregard lawful directives on operating hours could face closure.
He further directed local authorities to take appropriate enforcement action against persistent offenders in accordance with the law.
“Bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before 3:00 p.m. on working days. ”the statement said.
“Local leaders should take the lead in discouraging early-morning alcohol consumption and work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure that bars and alcohol outlets do not operate in a manner that encourages people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working” the statement added.
