Selling beer on credit is illegal, Zimbabwe police warn

Beer outlets operating "tab" systems or allowing customers to drink now and pay later are breaking the law and risk severe penalties, including the loss of their operating licences, authorities have warned.

The reminder comes as police and liquor licensing officials intensify efforts to educate operators about provisions contained in the Liquor Licencing Act [Chapter 14:12], which prohibits the sale or supply of alcohol on credit in most circumstances.

A tab system allows customers to accumulate purchases over a period of time and settle the bill later. While the practice is common in some bars and drinking establishments, Zimbabwean law requires immediate payment for liquor supplied on licensed premises.

Section 81 of the Liquor Licencing Act states that no person may supply or consume liquor on licensed premises unless it has been paid for at the time it is supplied.

The provision forms part of broader regulations aimed at promoting accountability within the liquor industry and preventing practices that could contribute to debt disputes, disorderly conduct and abuse of alcohol.

Speaking during a stakeholder consultation workshop on the review of the Liquor Licencing Act held in Mutare this week, Officer-in-Charge (Crime) at Police General Headquarters, Chief Inspector Tonderai Brian Chigweshe, said many operators were unaware of the legal requirements governing their businesses.

"What is certain is that all those who sell beer or operate beer outlets operate under the Liquor Licencing Act, but they do not know what is contained in the Act. All they are after is profit," Chigweshe said.

"Most of you do not know that selling alcohol on credit is a crime. Even when they go to the extent of trading beyond their stipulated time frames simply because they want to plead ignorance to the law, but ignorance is no defence."

However, the law provides several exceptions.

The prohibition on credit sales does not apply to guests staying at hotels operating under hotel liquor licences. Hotels may allow guests to consume liquor and settle charges through their accommodation accounts.

Other exemptions apply to liquor supplied with meals, alcohol provided in moderate quantities during social functions hosted on licensed premises, liquor supplied to boarders and guests, and drinks offered free of charge by owners to friends or regular customers.

The Act also grants bar owners, managers and their employees the authority to refuse entry to or remove individuals who are drunk, violent, quarrelsome or offensive.

In addition, people who habitually frequent licensed premises for the purpose of soliciting drinks may also be excluded.

Where necessary, police officers in uniform are required to assist licensed operators in removing such individuals and may use reasonable force to do so.

The legislation further regulates drinking hours by prohibiting the consumption of liquor on licensed premises more than 30 minutes after official closing time, except in circumstances specifically provided for under the law.

Authorities say the ongoing review of the Liquor Licencing Act is intended to improve awareness of existing regulations and strengthen compliance across the sector, as many operators continue to violate provisions due to ignorance or lax enforcement.

The warning serves as a reminder that both liquor outlet operators and customers are expected to familiarise themselves with the law, as failure to comply can result in prosecution, fines or the loss of operating licences.