By: TUNDE BOLAJI, MINNA.
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, Director-General of the Niger State Liquor Licensing Board, announced the closure of five establishments in the area. The action followed numerous complaints about non-compliance with laws regulating alcohol sales.
According to Barr. Halilu, the enforcement exercise was prompted by illegal activities reported against some beer vendors in Bida. This led to an inspection visit by him and the Executive Director, Operations, 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 stressed that any operator wishing to sell alcohol in the area must comply with the regulations or risk closure and prosecution under Niger State liquor laws.
The operational team, led by Hamidu, inspected several locations where alcohol was being consumed and sold near places of worship, which is a serious violation of regulatory standards.
Halilu stated that the team’s mission is to thoroughly tackle and eliminate illegal alcohol sales in Bida Town. He urged beer vendors across the state to comply with the Liquor Licensing Board’s guidelines to avoid sanctions.
He further warned illegal beer vendors and hotel operators who facilitate unlawful alcohol consumption, as well as supermarkets selling alcoholic beverages without proper licensing, to cease their activities immediately.
The Liquor Licensing Board, he added, is committed to enforcing compliance and will not tolerate operations outside the legal framework.
This latest enforcement action follows similar operations previously carried out in Mokwa, Suleja, Minna, and Kagara, underscoring the Board’s continued commitment to regulating and maintaining standards within the liquor industry across the state.