NACADA Moves to Ban Alcohol Sales in Supermarkets, Online Platforms, Restaurants and More

Nairobi, Kenya – July 30, 2025 — The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), as part of Kenya’s newly approved National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use (2025), has proposed sweeping restrictions that will ban alcohol sales in ten categories of venues, as part of efforts to reduce harmful consumption and curb easy access to alcoholic drinks. The policy was approved by Cabinet in June and awaits parliamentary adoption  .

Venues Where Alcohol Sales Will Be Prohibited

NACADA’s policy outlines the following places as off‑limits for alcohol retail:

1. Supermarkets

2. Restaurants

3. Online platforms and home delivery/couriers

4. Vending machines

5. Petrol stations

6. Public venues — including beaches, parks, amusement and recreational facilities, sports and medical centres, bus parks, bus stops, railway stations, ferry terminals, and highways

7. Residential premises and residential areas

8. Outlets that sell children-associated products (e.g., toy shops)

9. Basic, tertiary, and higher-learning institutions

10. Hawking (street vending)

 What It Means

• Legal age raised from 18 to 21 years, and individuals under 21 will not be permitted to enter any alcohol-selling premises, even when accompanied by adults  .

• Price promotions, including discounts, volume deals, free samples, or influencer-driven campaigns, are also banned—including endorsements by celebrities, social media figures, and sports personalities  .

• Licensing restrictions will bar new outlets within 300 metres of schools, religious sites, government facilities, and residential neighbourhoods, with caps set based on area population density.

• Packaging standards tightened to ban sale of bottles or sachets smaller than 250 ml, with mandatory clear health warnings and ingredient listings  .

 Why It Matters

NACADA justifies these bold changes by pointing to data showing high rates of alcohol initiation among youth, including a recent survey where 87% of over 15,000 university students reported drinking  . The aim is to reduce normalization of alcohol, especially among minors, and rein in digital marketing and retail expansion that blurs traditional age and location-based controls.

Stakeholder Reactions and Challenges Ahead

• Hospitality and retail sectors are expected to strongly oppose the bans on restaurant and supermarket sales. Restaurants historically rely on alcohol margins for profitability.

• Online delivery platforms and urban consumers accustomed to convenient purchasing will need to adapt rapidly—or seek licensed bars and retail shops.

• Enforcement complexity looms large: regulating hundreds of retail categories across informal street hawkers, petrol stations, and public areas will demand coordination across multiple agencies  .

The Road Ahead

The policy is not yet law. It still needs parliamentary debate and enactment via a legal framework before becoming enforceable. Meanwhile, clear enforcement guidelines, public awareness campaigns, and licensing reforms must be finalized—and business communities are expected to lobby for amendments.

Summary Table: Banned Venues for Alcohol Sales