In his ongoing efforts at reinforcing law enforcement to curb lawlessness and indiscipline in the Country, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG. Morie Lengor Esq, 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 particular focus on enforcing the provisions of the Liquor Act.
This action, the Minister said, is driven by concerns about excessive noise pollution, public order and underage drinking stemming from these illegal established entities, leading to situations that causes distress and unease, especially to students, sick persons and worshippers in churches and mosques.
The Minister 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, in ensuring that they work within the ambits 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 school, church, mosque or hospital among others, for the said purpose.
He also welcomed the initiative by the Minister, noting that they will work in close partnership with the law Enforcement Agencies in reviewing and enforcing laws on bars in residential areas.
On his part, the Head of Liquor, at the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, 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 be in violation of the Liquor Act.
He ended assuring the meeting that they are ready and willing to work with the Ministry in ensuring compliance by defaulters.
Other attendees, including the MIA Deputy Minister, Mr. David Fortune, the Police DIG Senesie and the NRA Revenue Officer, Peter Kpundeh, reiterated the Minister’s effort, emphasizing directives targeting bars or clubs in residential areas to close down at 10.00 pm. Adding that unlicensed bars or clubs in residential areas should face fines, closure and potential for legal actions for operating without the necessary permits.
The meeting concluded with resolutions focusing on key areas such as, identifying the addresses of bars in residential areas, to review the application of the insurance of licenses to bar owners in residential areas, to start enforcement on Liquor licenses operations and to train Officers to gain knowledge on the provisions of Liquor Act.
Added to that was to engage the media on public sensitization campaigns about the regulations governing the establishment of bars and clubs in residential areas, public awareness about the collaboration between the Ministry and Judiciary, and encouraging residents to report violations among others.
@MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS