Kenya Cracks Down on Out-of-hours Drinkers

In the wake of new laws which restrict the sale and consumption of alcohol, Kenya has arrested several hundred people for out-of-hours drinking.

Under a law passed in November, alcohol cannot be sold before 2:00 pm on weekends and 5:00 pm on weekdays, while establishments selling alcohol cannot be located within 300 metres of a school.

Thirty people arrested for drinking in the early afternoon were handed a six-month jail term or a fine of 30,000 Kenyan shillings (375 dollars/300 euros), a police officer said.

A further 30 people received the same sentences on Friday morning.

Anti-alcohol and drugs campaigners welcomed the new rules, but bar owners and the country's all-important tourism sector have been highly critical.

Source: AFP