s statement and the absence of guidelines on its implementation made some LG

councils enact liquor license byelaws. However, most LG liquor license byelaws indicated the type

and amount of licenses issued but failed to specify how the physical availability of alcohol would be

regulated and controlled. The absence of national and local licensing regulations and control

mechanisms on the physical availability of alcohol might be responsible for the proliferation of AOs

in LGs. Licensing officers were unanimous in stating that generating revenue from liquor license

fees was the main objective of licensing AOs. The LG licensed AOs indiscriminately and failed to

regulate AOD. Business owners could set up AOs and most rarely apply for a liquor license before

commencing operations.

Conclusion

Our findings strongly suggest the need to develop a national liquor licensing legislation with public

health objectives, and a licensing committee with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for

licensing stakeholders.

Keywords:

Alcohol, Licensing, Local Government, Policy, Nigeria