By Mumini AbdulKareem
The Kwara State House of Assembly has passed a Bill for a law expanding areas where manufacturing, sales and consumption of liquor are prohibited in Ilorin metropolis.
The passage of the Bill into law followed the clause by clause consideration of the report on the Bill by the House at the committee of the whole during Wednesday’s plenary.
Under the law, no person will be allowed to produce, sell, store or openly consume any liquor within specified areas in the state.
Any person who contravenes the provision shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six month or both.
Speaking after the passage of the Bill, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, while directing the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Katsina Mohammed, to prepare clean copy for the Governor’s assent, expressed confidence” that the Bill would go a long way to protect the young ones from the ills of alcohol consumptions.
Dr Ahmad explained that with the passage of the Bill, the sales of alcohol, was now controlled as practiced in advanced countries.
He praised members for the tenacity of purpose demonstrated, in ensuring the passage of the Bill.
The House last week held a Public Hearing on the bill sponsored by Hon Segilola AbdulKadir of Ilorin Central Constituency with stakeholders unanimous in their support for it.
