Harare agents close Sis Bee's kitchen

One of Bulawayo's well-known eateries, Sis Bee's Kitchen, has been closed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) under the Tourism Act [Chapter 14:20].

A closure notice pasted on the door of the outlet at Parkade Centre confirms the action.

"This designated tourist facility has been closed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in terms of the Tourism Act 1996 (Chapter 14:20), by order of the chief executive officer," the notice reads.

The closure is provided for under Section 43 of the Act, which deals with the cancellation of registration of designated tourist facilities.

Under the provision, the ZTA Board may notify an operator when a registered tourist facility has failed to comply with prescribed registration requirements and give the operator a reasonable period to rectify the breach.

The operator is entitled to make written representations to the Board before the expiry of the specified period.

If the requirements remain unmet and the Board is not satisfied that there is sufficient reason for the facility to remain registered, it may direct the Chief Executive to cancel the facility's registration.

The Act further requires the Chief Executive to publish a notice in the Government Gazette confirming the cancellation of a tourist facility's registration.

It was not immediately clear which specific requirement Sis Bee's Kitchen had allegedly failed to meet, or whether the closure was temporary and pending compliance with the relevant requirements.

Sis Bee's Kitchen is a popular food outlet in Bulawayo, and the closure is likely to affect patrons who regularly visit the establishment for its meals and other services.

The ZTA is responsible for regulating tourism establishments and ensuring that operators comply with statutory requirements governing the sector.