Government has tightened regulation of bars, Malwa joints and betting companies, directing local governments to enforce operating hours aimed at curbing early-morning drinking and excessive betting.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Local Government on August 11, 2026, to all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers.
Balaam Barugahara, the Minister in charge of Local Government, directed local leaders to ensure that bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments do not open before 3:00 p.m. on working days.
“Bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before 3:00 p.m. on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations,” Barugahara said.
He said the measure is intended to address early-morning alcohol consumption, which he linked to idleness, family problems and rising crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
“Local leaders should take the lead in discouraging early-morning alcohol consumption and work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure that bars and alcohol outlets do not operate in a manner that encourages people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working,” Barugahara said.
Barugahara further directed that bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed.
“Bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, and appropriate enforcement action should be taken against persistent offenders in accordance with the law,” he said.
Betting operating hours
The Minister also directed local governments to regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their respective jurisdictions.
“Local governments should regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with the aim of protecting communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting,” Barugahara said.
Barugahara also directed local authorities and security agencies to crack down on alcohol sellers who supply alcohol to persons below 18 years.
“Bar owners, shop owners and operators of Malwa joints or other alcohol-selling establishments who sell or supply alcohol to persons under 18 years of age should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
He added that establishments found repeatedly violating the law should face appropriate sanctions.
Press access to council sittings
In a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, Barugahara directed all local councils to allow members of the press access to council sittings.
“All councils should allow members of the press access to council sittings, just as Parliament allows media access to its proceedings,” he said.
According to Barugahara, the measure will enable citizens to follow debates, decisions and the conduct of public business in their respective local governments.
Councils ordered to display budgets
The Minister also directed local governments to display their approved budgets on the main council notice boards and other accessible public notice boards.
“All local governments shall display their approved budgets on the main council notice board and other accessible public notice boards,” Barugahara said.
He said the measure will enable members of the public to know what has been budgeted for their respective areas and follow up on the implementation of projects and services.
The directive also calls for joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities to support local governments in implementation and enforcement.
Barugahara directed local government leaders to take personal leadership in ensuring compliance and report challenges encountered during implementation through the appropriate channels.
“Let us put the interests of our people first, promote transparency and accountability in local government, protect our children, encourage productivity and restore discipline in our communities,” he said.
