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Kinyarwanda
The proprietor of Lebanese restaurant located in Umutekano cell, Kimihurura sector of Gasabo District has been arrested in connection with selling alcoholic drinks to minors.
Hassan Jamool was apprehended on Saturday at about 1:00am after police found a group of 25 minors, 22 of them girls, in the bar-side which also acts as a night club of the restaurant, taking liquors.
Police and local leaders in Gasabo also closed the restaurant for breach of article 219 of the penal code.
Article 217 of the Rwanda Penal Code defines a child or a minor as “every human being aged less than eighteen years unless otherwise provided by the law.”
Article 219 of the penal code stipulates that any person who offers or sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to a child or involves his or her in the sale of such products shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least three months but less than six months and a fine of Rwf300, 000 to Rwf1 million or one of these penalties.
The juveniles were also held but later handed to their parents on Saturday morning.
The bar-side and night club at the restaurant are also said to have been operating illegally and contrary to the licence.
Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, Central region Police spokesperson warned owners of bar and night club against letting under-aged children into such places.
“This is an ongoing operation in leisure spots targeting child abuse in drinking and dancing places, especially focusing on alcohol consumption and smoking,” Supt. Mbabazi said.
He also urged parents to always monitor their children.
