News / National
Harare City Council fines 12 bottle stores
14 Dec 2024 at 10:58hrs | Views
Harare City Council has penalized 12 bottle store operators in the central business district (CBD) with fines amounting to US$3,600 for violating operating hours. Each offender was fined US$300 after being caught operating beyond the stipulated 8 pm closing time during a municipal enforcement blitz.
The operation was prompted by widespread complaints from residents about bottle stores flouting regulations and staying open until midnight. Reports indicate that the CBD hosts approximately 30 bottle stores, with many operating without proper licensing.
Harare City spokesperson, Mr. Stanley Gama, stated that the council is determined to restore order in the CBD and will maintain its operations against non-compliant liquor outlets.
"Due to concerns raised by residents, the City of Harare unleashed a blitz yesterday evening where at least 12 bottle stores were fined US$300 each for operating beyond 8 pm. We will not tolerate lawlessness - bottle store owners must respect both the country’s laws and the City by-laws," said Mr. Gama.
He further warned that repeat offenders risk having their licenses revoked.
"They are slowly turning the city centre into a jungle, and we will not allow that to happen. Some of them are under investigation regarding how they acquired their trading licenses. The honeymoon is over. We have heard residents’ complaints about the proliferation of bottle stores, including unlicensed ones, and we will stop this," he added.
Under Zimbabwe’s Liquor Act, bottle stores are authorized to sell liquor between 8 am and 8 pm for off-site consumption. The law empowers authorities to confiscate alcohol from stores violating these regulations.
Despite these clear guidelines, the number of liquor outlets in Harare has grown due to relatively low barriers to entry, including minimal capital requirements and affordable licensing fees.
Many residents have applauded the council’s efforts, citing concerns about noise, disorder, and safety risks associated with bottle stores operating illegally or outside prescribed hours.
As the council intensifies its enforcement measures, it remains to be seen whether this will deter other operators from breaking the rules. Mr. Gama emphasized that restoring order in the CBD is non-negotiable, promising more action against errant businesses.
"Sanity must prevail in Harare," he concluded.
The operation was prompted by widespread complaints from residents about bottle stores flouting regulations and staying open until midnight. Reports indicate that the CBD hosts approximately 30 bottle stores, with many operating without proper licensing.
Harare City spokesperson, Mr. Stanley Gama, stated that the council is determined to restore order in the CBD and will maintain its operations against non-compliant liquor outlets.
"Due to concerns raised by residents, the City of Harare unleashed a blitz yesterday evening where at least 12 bottle stores were fined US$300 each for operating beyond 8 pm. We will not tolerate lawlessness - bottle store owners must respect both the country’s laws and the City by-laws," said Mr. Gama.
He further warned that repeat offenders risk having their licenses revoked.
Under Zimbabwe’s Liquor Act, bottle stores are authorized to sell liquor between 8 am and 8 pm for off-site consumption. The law empowers authorities to confiscate alcohol from stores violating these regulations.
Despite these clear guidelines, the number of liquor outlets in Harare has grown due to relatively low barriers to entry, including minimal capital requirements and affordable licensing fees.
Many residents have applauded the council’s efforts, citing concerns about noise, disorder, and safety risks associated with bottle stores operating illegally or outside prescribed hours.
As the council intensifies its enforcement measures, it remains to be seen whether this will deter other operators from breaking the rules. Mr. Gama emphasized that restoring order in the CBD is non-negotiable, promising more action against errant businesses.
"Sanity must prevail in Harare," he concluded.
Source - the herald
