Why bars should be located far away from schools

Without applying statistics and principles of behaviour, it outright feels off when an alcohol-dispensing outlet is located near a learning institution, especially one that serves children under the age of 18. We don’t need any scientific study to see the effects the outlet might have on the children.

Proximity matters regarding the placement of certain establishments in a community, especially bars and schools. The distance between them is significant. Bars, with their allure of alcohol and associated social activities, should not be located near schools.

The 2010 Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, commonly referred to as the Mututho Law, is clear on the location of these outlets. Article 12 (1) (c) of the statute provides that premises seeking a licence be located at least 300 metres from learning institutions for children under 18.

 This isn’t just a matter of convenience or urban planning. It’s a critical consideration for the well-being and safety of our youth, as it shapes their present and future paths. The educational environment should be a sanctuary, a place where young minds are nurtured and their potential is cultivated. It’s where students engage in learning, build relationships, and prepare for their futures.

Introducing bars into the vicinity disrupts this sanctity, injecting elements that oppose the values and goals of education. Most significantly, the presence of bars near schools exposes students to potentially harmful influences.

Children are initiated into alcohol use at age seven, according to the latest report on the Status of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Kenya released in May last year by the anti-drug abuse agency Nacada. This just shows how grave the matter is if not addressed urgently and early.

Alcohol consumption poses serious health risks and impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviours and compromised decision-making. Bars located near schools increase the chances of students being exposed to alcohol-related activities, whether through peer pressure, curiosity or easy access. This exposure not only undermines the efforts of educators and parents to promote responsible behaviour but also jeopardises the safety and well-being of students.

The bars can also have detrimental effects on academic performance. Excessive or frequent alcohol consumption interferes with cognitive function, memory retention and concentration — essential components of academic success. Students who are exposed to environments where alcohol is readily available may face distractions that hinder their ability to focus on their studies and reach their full potential.

The presence of bars may contributeto an unstable or insecure atmosphere, further disrupting the learning environment and detracting from the overall educational experience. Beyond their immediate impact on students, bars near schools can have broader social implications for the surrounding community.

Schools serve as pillars of neighbourhoods, influencing property values, community cohesion and perceptions of safety. Bars can erode the sense of community and contribute to negative perceptions of the area. Families might be deterred from living close to schools due to concerns about the potential influence of nearby bars on their children. This can lead to a decline in community engagement and investment, compromising the vitality and resilience of the neighbourhood as a whole.

Bars near schools also raise concerns about the safety of students, especially during school hours and extracurricular activities. Alcohol-related incidents, such as violence, accidents and disturbances, can spill over onto school grounds, jeopardising the safety and security of students, staff and visitors.

Even outside of school hours, bars located near schools may attract individuals whose behaviour poses a risk to the well-being of students.

- The writer is Nacada’s deputy director of corporate communication.