Uganda has directed bars, Malwa joints, and other alcohol-selling establishments to remain closed until 3 p.m. on working days as part of a government effort to curb early-morning drinking. The directive, issued on Tuesday, August 11, by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara, also instructs local governments to regulate betting companies within their jurisdictions in line with existing laws and regulations. The aim is to safeguard communities—particularly young people—from harmful practices linked to gambling.
Minister Barugahara emphasized that the restrictions are intended to address social challenges associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including idleness, family strain, and rising crime in certain areas. Local authorities are required to enforce the new operating hours for alcohol outlets and discourage the practice of spending mornings drinking instead of working.
Under the directive, alcohol establishments may not open before 3 p.m. on working days. Enforcement of these measures will remain subject to 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.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
