Police Support 10:00 PM Weekday Curfew for Bars to Combat Alcohol-Related Crimes

The Uganda Police Force has welcomed a proposal to impose a 10:00 PM curfew on bars selling alcohol during weekdays.

Police believe that this proposal in the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill will help mitigate crimes associated with alcoholism. Clause 14 of the bill suggests that alcohol be sold in Uganda between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM on working days. The time is extended to between 12:00 Noon and 12:00 AM Midnight on public holidays and weekends.

However, this proposal does not affect licensed tourist camps, nightclubs, and trade shows. The bill, engineered by Tororo District Woman MP, will impose a penalty of 10 years imprisonment on bar operators who violate these regulations.

The Police welcomed these proposals through James Ocaya, Deputy Inspector of Police. Ocaya also called for the levying of higher taxes on bars.

“Liquor shops should be preferred over bars by imposing fewer taxes on the former and higher taxes on the latter. This is to discourage the opening of bars everywhere and to encourage consumption of alcohol from home settings.” said Ocaya.

Ocaya further called for a ban on selling alcohol on water vessels, informing the MPs that these vessels are prone to accidents caused by alcohol abuse. However, this was challenged by several MPs who argued that water vessels are usually places of enjoyment. They suggested that such a ban could negatively impact the economy.

“I think this will be unfair to our economy. I suggest that you restrict this to the captains of the ferries. People go on these boat cruises for entertainment or leisure, not for prayer. Restricting alcohol for all passengers suffocates the business. You can restrict the captain, but not the people using the ferry.” Joselyn Kamateneti (Ntungamo DWR) remarked.

Ocaya also expressed concerns about the levels of violence reported in bars and other hangout areas. He called for a ban on the entry of individuals with firearms and dangerous weapons into bars.