New Covid-19 rules to guide operations in bars
The Ministry of Industrialisation has issued new guidelines requiring businesses to deploy Covid-19 liaison officers to ensure compliance with various protocols meant to curb the spread of the virus.
Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina said the liaison officer will be tasked with ensuring compliance with measures including social distancing and restricting the number of revellers allowed into the establishments.
“The liaison officer will keep abreast of emerging health, safety and hygiene information and preventive measures related to Covid-19,” said Maina.
Guidelines are to be implemented by restaurants, eateries, pubs, entertainment joints, supermarkets and wines and spirit shops.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have been developed to guide sale of alcohol and to reduce spread of Covid-19.
Alcohol establishments are expected to appoint a point person to deal with employee, suppliers and customers’ questions daily.
“The SOPs will restore confidence of public partakers in the alcohol selling establishments through the implementation of the health and safety protocols to reduce transmission risks in the distribution network up to the consumer and elucidate implementation approach of the health and safety protocols to facilitate their adequate implementation in allied sectors,” Maina said.
Among the SOPs is to ensure the counter is shielded with a perspex glass to ensure protection of client and seller.
No partakers will be allowed to sit around the bar counter.
All alcohol drink retailers shall provide a complete hand washing station, with running water, soap and hygienic hand drying facility and/or sanitizer at the entrance of the establishment for customers’ use.
