Omoro drafts an ordinance to curb alcohol abuse

Omoro | In the era of widespread alcohol abuse by youth, Omoro district council have been forced to draft an ordinance to control alcohol consumption.

Robbina Ayamo, deputy speaker of Omoro district, confirmed that on May 22, 2024, the council tabled a draft ordinance on alcoholic control. The draft was discussed and is expected to be passed.

High alcohol consumption is driving low productivity and high rates of domestic violence in the district.

Ayamo told tndNews that the draft ordinance will be discussed again at the next council meeting in June. She stated that the goal of the regulation is not to completely eliminate alcohol consumption, but rather to regulate it.

Locals in Omoro rely on agriculture production, she explained, noting that the majority of them survive on alcohol, resulting in low productivity and poverty.

James Opiyo, the LC3 chairman of Orapwoyo sub-county, stated that he has been dealing with challenges in sensitising his community, which is large with 6 parishes and 43 villages.

The local leader stated that it became difficult for him to distribute alcohol safety information throughout his sub-county.

“The sub-county will welcome the ordinance and implement it immediately, allowing the local community to begin fully complying with no default.”

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Opiyo noticed that the number of crimes committed by youth as a result of alcoholism in his community is increasing by the day.

“Children aged 10 to 20 commit crimes such as robbery, causing chaos (hooliganism) in the trading centre.”

He also chastised some parents for hiding their children who are criminals so that they are not exposed or arrested.

Richard Alima, LC3 of Lalogi sub-county stated that if this ordinance is passed by the district council, it will help his constituency reduce the number of street children (Aguu).

According to him, Aguu regularly rob trading centres while posing as intoxicated; however, at night, they commit other crimes, including stealing people’s property.

In December 2023, Alima stated that Lalogi sub-county council passed a resolution prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 10:00 p.m. “However, it has taken us approximately four months to track the number of defaulters and those who follow the law.

Denis Wokorach, LC3 councillor for Loyo-ajonga parish, stated that Lakwaya sub-county passed a resolution in 2023 to close bars at 10:00 p.m. and reopen them at 11:00 a.m. Many pub owners, he claims, have defaulted, making it difficult to control youths at trading centres or disco halls.

Again, in 2023, he stated that the sub-county banned music systems from being played at funerals and marriage ceremonies due to a high number of crime cases involving rape, defilement, robbery, and street fighting by youths pretending to be drunk.

“If the council approves the ordinance, it will double our efforts to combat alcoholic abuse in the community while decreasing production and development efforts in the Omoro district.”

According to Section 14(1) of the Alcohol Control Bill 2023, licensees are not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages or native liquor before 17:00 and after 22:00 hours on working days, 12:00 hours on public holidays, and after 00:00 hours on weekends.