KAMPALA bar operators have opposed the proposed legislation which would oblige them to close at 10:00pm. The draft bill, which aims at curbing alcohol abuse in the country, stipulates that bars should remain closed during the day and only open between 5:00pm and 10:00pm.
Angry proprietors yesterday described the proposals as “draconian” and aimed at benefiting the hoteliers. They said if passed, most bars would have to close down because their business normally picks up after 10:00pm and goes on until past midnight.
George Mitchell of Mitchell’s Pub in Ntinda said the law is uncalled for. He said during the late President Idi Amin’s regime in the 1970s, a similar law was introduced but beer could still be sold in unlicensed places, including people’s residences.
“If the bill is passed, it will push people to go for unlicensed places and drink more than they are drinking now. After Amin introduced the ban, revellers left the conventional bars and went for Ekitanda (bedroom drinking).”
Annette Basemera of Rock Katarina, also in Ntinda, said the law will affect the bar business because most of her customers are night patrons who come after work.
“I think people are entitled to a social life and it seems the impending law is destined to violate their rights,” said Juliet Mugabi of Soberz Joint in Ntinda.
Peter Wacha, the proprietor of the popular Steak Out Bar and Restaurant in Wandegeya, said the bill was unnecessary. He said the authorities should have put up protective measures and not stringent rules which affect the bar business.
“I don’t think imposing time limits will solve social problems. People will continue to drink, whether there are draconian laws or not.”
The proprietors of Kajet Movement Bar in Nakulabye laughed it off. “The bill won’t pass because it will not be seconded. These politicians, MPs and other government officials, own these bars and sleep in them,” said Stephen Arinda of Kajet Movement Bar.
At Centenary Park, most proprietors said they paid licenses that allow them to operate 24 hours.
“We paid a license to operate day and night. Whereas at night we operate nightclubs, in day time we operate restaurant business,” stated Deogracious Lubega of Kyoto Bar and Restaurant.
Simon Muhumuza of the Kampala City Council said if the bill is passed, they will enforce it.
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in Uganda. In 2004, the World Health Organisation ranked Ugandans as the leading consumers of alcohol in the world.
