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Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr David Sengeh has issued a public reminder, stressing sections of the Liquor Licensing Act (1963 Amendment) that prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from entering the bar area during operating hours.
He noted that license holders who fail to comply constitutes a crime if minors are seen on the premises.
In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister urged bartenders to start checking ID to ensure compliance. He also recommended anyone above the age of 16 to bring their nationa identification with them when entering bars.
“If you are above 16 and want to go to a bar, better get your national ID. Together we will deliver a safer environment for our children.”
He used the hashtag “#WeWillDeliver” to bring out his commitment to respecting the law. The message acts as a call to action for increased enforcement and knowledge of existing liquor regulations designed to safeguard kids.
His post comes at a time when Sierra Leone is battling endemic addiction to drugs among young people. Reports have indicated that there is a growing number of young people becoming addicted to the synthetic drug, kush.
The drug, which is a mixture of fentanyl, crushed tramadol, diazepam (valium), and in some cases, human bones and cannabis. Addicts suffer from malnutrition and death in less than two years.
Advocacy groups have made repeated calls to the government to ensure strict measures against the fight of the drugs to prevent more young people from becoming addicts.
