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The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG. Morie Lengor Esq, has on Monday August 18, 2025, engaged the Master and Registrar of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Lloyd H Jusu and Team, to discuss on the review, compliance and cracking down on both licensed and unlicensed bars operating in residential and non-residential areas, with a particular focus on enforcing the provisions of the Liquor Act.
This action, according to the Minister, is driven by concerns about excessive noise pollution, public order, and underage drinking stemming from these illegal establishments, leading to situations that cause distress and unease, especially to students, sick persons, and worshippers in churches and mosques.
Minister Lengor further stated that they also want to work collaboratively with the Judiciary to see how they could address the issue of noise pollution through bars and clubs situated in residential areas, while ensuring that they work within the ambit of the law.
Giving an overview of the Liquor Act, the Master and Registrar of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Lloyd H Jusu, highlighted certain requirements embedded in the Act for the issuance of license permits to operate bars and clubs.
Adding that upon application, for licenses, it is prior to investigations within three months, to ascertain if the designated area is not too close to residential areas such as schools, churches, mosques, or hospitals, among others, for the said purpose. He also welcomed the initiative by the Minister, noting that they will work in close partnership with other law Enforcement Agencies in reviewing and enforcing laws on bars in residential areas.
The Head of Liquor at the Judiciary of Sierra Mohamed L. Kamara, narrated the numerous challenges they have encountered, in terms of compliance and enforcement of bars in residential and non-residential areas. He mentioned that they have been suspending bars in residential areas that are found to violate the Liquor Act. He ended by assuring the meeting that they are ready and willing to work with the Ministry in ensuring compliance by defaulters.
The meeting concluded with resolutions focusing on key areas such as identifying the addresses of bars in residential areas, reviewing the application of the insurance of licenses to bar owners in residential areas, starting enforcement on Liquor license operations, and training Officers to gain knowledge on the provisions of the Liquor Act.
