Niger Liquor Licensing Board Closes Illegal Beer Parlours in Bida Town
By Our Correspondent
The Niger State Liquor Licensing Board has taken decisive action against illegal beer parlours in Bida Town, located in the Bida local government area of Niger State, following violations of regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Barr. Yahaya Halilu Sayeti, the Director General of the Niger State Liquor Licensing Board, announced the closure of five establishments in the area. These closures were initiated in response to numerous complaints regarding non-compliance with established laws that govern the operation of alcohol sales.
According to Barr. Yahaya Halilu, the enforcement effort was prompted by illegal activities reported by the Board concerning certain beer vendors in Bida. This necessitated a visit from both himself and Executive Director Mohammed Hamidu to address the situation directly and restore order to alcohol sales and consumption in the town.
The closures targeted establishments operating within restricted and prohibited zones, specifically those located within an eight-kilometre radius of designated areas.
Barr. Halilu emphasized that any operator wishing to sell alcohol in the area must adhere to these regulations or face closure and prosecution under Niger State liquor laws.
The operational team, led by Executive Director Operations Mohammed Hamidu, conducted inspections of multiple locations where alcohol was being consumed and sold in proximity to places of worship, which is a serious violation of regulatory standards.
Barr. Halilu stated that the team’s mission is to thoroughly address and eliminate illegal alcohol sales in Bida Town. He urged beer vendors throughout the state to comply with the guidelines laid out by the Liquor Licensing Board to avoid potential sanctions.
He further warned illegal beer vendors and hotel operators that facilitate unlawful consumption of alcohol, as well as supermarkets selling alcoholic beverages without proper licensing, to cease their activities immediately.
The Liquor Licensing Board is committed to enforcing compliance and will not tolerate operations that occur outside the legal framework.
This recent enforcement action follows similar operations previously carried out in Mokwa, Suleja, Minna, and Kagara, demonstrating the Board’s ongoing commitment to regulating and maintaining standards within the liquor industry across the state.