Cabinet on Tuesday approved a US$400 penalty for liquor outlets found guilty of violating licence conditions.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the Cabinet received and considered a report on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, presented by Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Muswere said that a recent operation conducted by the Police netted 124 bar owners for flouting terms and conditions of the law governing the sale of alcohol. He said:
<blockquote>
Joint operations involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were conducted resulting in 724 liquor premises being inspected, out of which 124 outlet owners were arrested for violating licence conditions.
Cabinet also approved the upward review of the fine from Level 5 of US$30 to Level 7 which is US$400 or the ZIG (Zimbabwe Gold) equivalent or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
</blockquote>
During the operation, 48 bases (locations where drug trafficking, distribution, and abuse occur) were busted. Said Muswere:
<blockquote>
The fight against the scourge of drug and substance abuse is continuing across all provinces of the country. Monitoring, surveillance and law enforcement activities continue with a total of 2 373 individuals having been arrested while 48 bases were identified, raided and destroyed in six provinces, namely: Harare (10), Manicaland (25), Mashonaland Central (6), Matabeleland North (3), Mashonaland West (2) and Midlands (2).
</blockquote>
Commonly abused drugs in Zimbabwe include alcohol, cannabis (mbanje/marijuana), crystal meth (mutoriro), heroin, and glue.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Liquor Outlets To Pay US$400 For Violating Licence Conditions

The Government has decided not to renew licenses for all stand-alone bottle stores currently operating in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD). These licenses are set to expire in June.
Going forward, only liquor stores located within supermarkets will be permitted to operate within the CBD.
Gabriel Masvora, the Communications and Advocacy Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/cbd-liquor-stores-face-closure">The Sunday Mail</a> that all liquor retailing licenses will expire on June 30. He said:
<blockquote>
Specifically for Harare CBD, we have flagged all bottle stores and all their licences will not be renewed.
Together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)’s licensing inspectorate, they (Liquor Licensing Board) are carrying out a joint compliance inspection to check on all outlets that sell liquor.
Only bottle stores in large supermarkets will be allowed to operate in the CBD post-June 30, 2024.
</blockquote>
Masvora said in terms of the new regulations, liquor outlets “will not enjoy automatic (licence) renewal” for the year 2024 if their operations pose a threat to public safety. He added:
<blockquote>
It is up to the businesses to ensure that they register as stipulated by the law, and as Liquor Licensing Board (LLB), we process the application as long as it confirms the requirements as we have outlined them to prospective applicants.
</blockquote>
New regulations, introduced by the LLB last year, outline specific requirements for nightclubs. These guidelines include:
<ul>
<li>Soundproofing, air conditioning, and insurance.</li>
<li>Illuminated fire escape signs should be visible at all times.</li>
<li>A minimum of two water closets for each sex and at least three urinal bowls or a three-meter-long urinal are necessary.</li>
<li>Bar countertops and shelves must have a smooth, impervious finish.</li>
<li>Adequate firefighting appliances and fire escape facilities must be in place.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Stand-alone Bottle Stores In Harare CBD Face Closure

The City of Gweru has proposed by-laws to tackle noise pollution in residential areas caused by bars and churches, among others, with offenders set to be penalised heavily.
Councillors, Council management and residents’ association representatives met in Masvingo last month and agreed on measures to combat noise pollution in Zimbabwe’s third-largest city. The proposed Gweru (Noise) by-laws, 2021, reads in part:
<blockquote>
Noise can be defined as unwanted or undesirable sound and can materially affect an individual or a community’s health, well-being and enjoyment of their surroundings.
Suppression of noise, no person shall, operate or cause or permit to be operated any wireless, loudspeaker, gramophone, record player, amplifier, musical instrument or similar device so as to disturb or interfere with the rest, peace and tranquillity of any occupier of premises in the neighbourhood or any in public space; or make any noise disturbances by shouting, yelling or blowing upon any wind instrument, beating upon any drum or other instrument, article or device or by any other means which the noise or disturbances disturb or interfere with the rest or peace tranquillity of any occupier of premises in the neighbourhood or in any public space or public street.
</blockquote>
The local authority also resolved that no person shall keep, or cause or permit to be kept, any bird or animal which, by reason of continued or repeated crowing, screeching, barking or whining or other noisy or troublesome habits, causes annoyance, disturbance or inconvenience to any occupier of premises in the neighbourhood or public place.
However, Council has the prerogative to issue a temporary noise permit. It said:
<blockquote>
In this section, community events include any word in part, church services, awareness campaigns or any such gathering where people are likely to congregate in large numbers.
A promotional event means any event done at a public place, public street or in the neighbourhood to promote a business or event to a target audience.
Any person may submit an application for a temporary noise permit for a community event or promotional event.
</blockquote>
The city fathers said bars, churches and event organisers are required to guard against noise pollution by fitting sound-proof equipment or risk paying heavy fines. The proposed by-law reads further:
<blockquote>
Churches, bars, and nightclubs must install sound-proof systems or equipment in their buildings so that their noise does not affect the neighbourhood.
An authorised person may impound any equipment, gadget or machinery found in contravention of any provision of these by-laws. The equipment, gadgets or machinery so impounded shall be taken to a secure place designated for such purpose by the council.
The equipment so impounded shall not be released until the owner pays the prescribed penalty and such removal and storage charges as prescribed by the council from time to time.
</blockquote>
Gweru City Council communications officer Vimbai Chingwaramusee told Chronicle that the noise by-laws were some of the by-laws council, management and other stakeholders were working on.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/noisy-bars-churches-risk-heavy-fines/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Bars, Churches Targeted In Clampdown On Noise Pollution

Police in Bulawayo arrested dozens of revellers in Bulawayo on Friday following raids at a number of nightspots in the city that are violating COVID-19 Level Two lockdown regulations.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesman Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrests but could not give the exact number of people who were arrested.
He urged businesses and the general public to abide by the laws meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Insp Ncube said:
<blockquote>
We are aware that bar owners have been closing late and we have received reports from concerned citizens.
We are also keen to ensure those bar owners stick to their prescribed closing times as per their operating licences.
Business owners know what time they should close and they chose not to and that is why we then have these incidents of arrests and bar closures.
We expect business owners to comply especially when it comes to observing COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
</blockquote>
The Government gave the green light for licensed bars and nightspots to reopen to fully vaccinated clients.
However, since the country is still under level two lockdown bars and nightspots are supposed to close during curfew hours between 10 PM and 5.30 AM but most bars remain open during the curfew hours.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/dozens-arrested-in-bar-raids/">Sunday News</a></h4>

Dozens Arrested In Bars For Breaking Curfew Order

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday extended the Level 2 COVID-19 lockdown by a further two weeks.
Speaking during a post-cabinet media briefing this evening, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa advised the public to continue observing World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 protocols. She said:
<blockquote>
His Excellency the President Cde E.D. Mnangagwa has extended Level 2 Lockdown by a further 2 weeks. The public is advised to continue observing WHO and National COVID-19 Protocols of sanitizing, masking up, practising social distancing and observing curfew hours.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has given the green light for bars to reopen albeit only to fully vaccinated patrons. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
Cabinet notes, with concern, that the continued closure of licensed bars and nightclubs has caused not only a loss of income and unemployment but also resulted in the mushrooming of illegal outlets.
Cabinet, therefore, directed that all licensed bars be opened to fully vaccinated clients. Bar owners are also required to ensure that the World Health Organisation and national protocols and guidelines are enforced, failure of which their licences will be withdrawn. The bars are also required to adhere to curfew hours.
</blockquote>
Regular bars were closed in March last year when the country entered its first lockdown in response to the coronavirus crisis.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ED Extends Lockdown, Bars And Pubs Allowed To Reopen

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed grave concern over the new trend of bars and restaurants that are now selling beer to patrons totally disregarding COVID-19 regulations.
This comes as health experts are warning authorities of a potential third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with winter fast approaching.
In a statement on Friday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned those businesses operating in violation of COVID-19 regulations that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the proliferation of bars, beer-halls, and restaurants that are openly defying the Governments’ COVID-19 regulations by operating with clients drinking beer whilst closed inside.
Some are even drinking whilst parking vehicles at the premises. In some cases, loud music is being played as the revellers play hide and seek with the Police.
The Police remind the public that the threat of a third wave of the pandemic is still imminent according to medical experts.
Therefore the Zimbabwe Republic Police will arrest all operators who are not complying with the Government’s directive to remain closed.
The Commissioner-General of Police has directed Officer Commanding Provinces to take action and ensure modalities to allow the Government’s relevant Ministry to withdraw licences or permits are followed now.</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi also pleaded with members of the public to report to the police all bars, beer halls, and restaurants operating illegally. He said:
<blockquote>The Public is implored to continue reporting bars, beer-halls, or restaurants operating illegally to the Police on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or Harare Operations number (0242) 748836 or Bulawayo Operations number (09) 73547.</blockquote>
On Wednesday Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/21/bars-and-night-clubs-to-remain-closed-indefinitely/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">said Cabinet had directed that bars and night clubs should remain closed indefinitely.</a> She said:
<blockquote>Cabinet remains cognisant of the need to fully open all economic activities. However, in the face of the threat of a Third Wave, Cabinet has deferred consideration of the opening of bars and night clubs until further notice.</blockquote>

ZRP Warns Bars, Beer Halls, Restaurants Operating Illegally

Cabinet has directed that bars and night clubs should remain closed indefinitely in face of the threat of a third wave of the coronavirus.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Wednesday. She said:
<blockquote>Cabinet remains cognisant of the need to fully open all economic activities. However, in the face of the threat of a Third Wave, Cabinet has deferred consideration of the opening of bars and night clubs until further notice.</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet noted the absenteeism of some teachers from their work stations and as a result, the government would strictly enforce the no work, no pay policy. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>Cabinet was informed that the number of teachers reporting for duty had decreased.
It is further noted that some of those reporting for duty are not teaching.
Cabinet wishes to reiterate that negotiations for improved conditions of service remain open under the National Joint Negotiating Council and that the no work, no pay policy will be strictly enforced.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Cabinet did not address the critical shortage of buses for transporting the public but warned transporters allegedly violating COVID-19 regulations that they will be dealt with. Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>Regarding Public Transport, Cabinet noted with concern the increased flouting of COVID-19 prevention control measures in the public transport system.
In this regard, Cabinet agreed that Law and Order should increase surveillance on public transporters.</blockquote>

Bars And Night Clubs To Remain Closed Indefinitely

The government on Tuesday gave the green light to bottle stores and other liquor outlets to sell beer but on the strict condition that no one drinks on or around the premises.
The new development was announced by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during Tuesday’s post-cabinet media briefing. She said:
<blockquote>Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association, seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet resolved that operations could resume in line with COVID-19 regulations and on condition that no liquor is consumed at their premises.</blockquote>
Since March 30 when the coronavirus lockdown was imposed, only supermarkets were permitted to sell alcohol as they do not allow on-site drinking.
However, the restrictions on the selling of liquor did not necessarily result in the closure of all bars and bottle stores.
Reports indicate that several liquor outlets remained open in defiance of the lockdown restrictions.
For instance, on Friday last week police arrested 46 people for unlawful gathering after they held a party at Yellow Door Bar in Maphane area in Gwanda.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/covid-19-flights-resume-bottle-stores-reopen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Bars Latest News

Latest Jobs