Police crack down on unlabelled alcohol products

Police have warned retailers, vendors and consumers against the sale and purchase of unlabelled alcoholic products as authorities intensify efforts to remove potentially dangerous beverages from the market.

Speaking at a Liquor Licence Review Workshop in Gweru on Monday, Tonderai Chigweshe said law enforcement agencies are stepping up operations targeting outlets suspected of selling unlabelled and counterfeit alcohol.

Chigweshe said the liquor licensing system exists to protect communities, maintain public order and safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people.

"There are a lot of liquids being sold on the streets that have alcohol content, but people are not aware because they are not labelled," he said.

"Our Police officers are on the lookout for such products, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care will take serious action on such liquids."

Authorities have expressed concern over the growing availability of unbranded alcoholic beverages, some of which are reportedly being sold to schoolchildren and other underage consumers.

Chigweshe stressed that public safety remains a priority and warned that those involved in illegal alcohol sales face serious consequences.

"Our role is preventative in stopping illegal sales. Police is empowered to enforce compliance, investigate breaches and protect public safety," he said.

He further cautioned that criminal convictions arising from liquor-related offences can have long-term implications for individuals and businesses.

"Criminal records are for life and can lead to permanent consequences such as denied liquor licence for good," he added.

The warning comes amid broader efforts by law enforcement and health authorities to strengthen regulation of the alcohol sector, curb the circulation of counterfeit products and protect consumers from potentially harmful substances.

Unlabelled alcoholic products present significant health risks because consumers are unable to verify their ingredients, alcohol content or manufacturing standards. Public health officials have repeatedly warned that counterfeit and illicitly produced alcohol can contain dangerous substances that pose serious health threats.

Police have urged members of the public to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed outlets and to report any suspected sale of unlabelled or counterfeit products to the relevant authorities.