Uganda Considers Stricter Alcohol Sales Hours, Following Global Trends

Uganda may soon join a growing list of nations regulating the sale of alcohol, as the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has indicated a move towards stricter operating hours for bars and liquor stores.

The proposed directive suggests that alcohol sales should commence at 3 pm, aiming to prevent excessive daytime drinking and ensure individuals are not spending all night in bars.

This aligns with regulations seen in neighbouring countries. Rwanda, for instance, permits bars and alcohol stores to open at 5 pm and close at 1 am on weekdays, with slightly earlier closing times on weekends. Tanzania’s regulations vary, allowing sales from midday in rural areas and 2 pm in urban centers on weekdays, with a midnight closing time. Weekend hours are generally from 5 pm to midnight.

In Kenya, standard operating hours for alcohol vendors are typically from 5 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 2 pm to 11 pm on weekends, though enforcement can differ based on local county licensing and administrative directives.

Legal experts have cautioned against overly restrictive laws, suggesting that well-enforced regulations should guide rather than punish. Constitutional lawyer George Musisi emphasized the importance of amending existing laws to introduce such regulations, rather than creating criminal statutes for every activity.

Uganda has previously developed a National Alcohol Control Policy in 2019 and seen attempts at private member’s bills to further regulate alcohol sales, including restrictions on sales to minors, online sales, and packaging sizes.

Advocates for stricter alcohol control, such as Richard Baguma of the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance, have lauded the minister’s initiative, pointing out that even countries with strong traditions of freedom regulate alcohol. Baguma suggests that a 5 pm start time might be more appropriate and that regulations on consumption amounts could also be considered.

Globally, approaches vary. In the UK, licensing dictates hours, with some supermarkets offering 24/7 sales, though Sunday trading laws impose restrictions. Scotland has a strict 10 am to 10 pm limit for off-licence sales, while Northern Ireland has specific hours for weekdays and Sundays. Germany and France generally lack universal strict closing times, but local laws may restrict late-night sales.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)