Kenyan Hotels Receive Gov’t Nod to Sell Alcohol to Guests in their Rooms

Kenyan hotels are now free to sell alcohol to their guests following the latest announcement by the government.

Last month, President Kenyatta banned the sale of alcohol in bars, restaurants, and hotels as part of the measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

But Tourism CS Najib Balala on Tuesday clarified that hotels can sell alcoholic drinks to their clients as long as they are served in their private rooms and not in a public space.
 
“The President’s announcement on the issue of the sale of alcohol was clear that alcohol should not be sold to the public in hotels/restaurants to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.”

“However, after consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, serving of alcohol can only be served in private and in their rooms and not in the public domain,” CS Balala noted in a letter to Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers CEO Mike Macharia.

While announcing the 30-day ban on alcohol sale in public places, Kenyatta also directed that all bars and nightclubs remain closed until further notice in an attempt to contain the pandemic.

“…there shall be no sale of alcoholic beverages in eateries and restaurants across the territory of the Republic of Kenya effective midnight today for the next 30 days,” said Kenyatta.