The Law : Instituting Order In Leisure Sector

Different laws have been laid down by the government to govern those operating bars, motels and entertainment activities in the country. The different laws do not only lay down conditions and procedures for their functioning, but also where and how they can be located in the society. All of these are to ensure order in the sector. 
The President of the Republic signed a decree on November 9, 1990 which laid down      conditions and procedures for the operation of drinking spots nationwide. The decree lays down conditions and procedures for the functioning of on and off licenses in the country. The legal instrument has four chapters, comprising 25 articles. It highlights the different dispositions relating to the functioning of the bar sector, ranging from general provisions to modalities for operation, sanctions and miscellaneous provisions. Article 13 of the law stipulates that an off-licence shall be operational from 6:00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. whereas on- licence shall function from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. Chapter two of the decree classifies documents needed for the operation of drinking spots and further categorizes on and off licenses and the kinds of drinks to be sold therein. With operational licenses to be authorized either by the Senior Divisional Officer or the Divisional Officer depending on the category of bar, the authorization as stated in Article 8 of the decree cannot be issued to minors, persons charged with violence or violent threats and persons with questionable moral integrity. Article 14 of the aforementioned decree which is in respect to the location of such drinking venues compels such structures to be located not less than 200 metres from hospitals, dispensaries, educational establishments or churches. Sanctions for persons operating without authorization or those functioning under a category different from that which was authorized are also previewed in Article 195 of the Penal Code on Taxes. The Senior Divisional Officer or Divisional Officer may be depending on jurisdictional competence order for the c...