News / National
Hwange slaps snooker tables with surprise tax
31 May 2025 at 13:49hrs | Views
In an unexpected move that has left many bar and leisure spot owners stunned, the Hwange Local Board has introduced a new annual tariff requiring snooker table owners to pay US$80.50 each year to legally operate their tables.
The announcement came from town secretary Ndumiso Mdlalose, who warned that failure to comply with the payment would result in the forced closure of the snooker tables.
"We wish to inform you that an annual tariff of USD 80.50, inclusive of VAT, is due for the operation of a snooker table at your premises," Mdlalose stated. "Failure to pay will force Council to shut down your table."
While the new fee has sparked outrage among many local business owners who claim they were caught off guard by the sudden reminder, the Hwange Local Board maintains that the tariff is both legal and officially sanctioned. The local authorities have indicated that the charge forms part of their 2025 budget, which has already received approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
"This isn't new. The snooker table fee was introduced back in 2022 after proper consultations," the council clarified in a statement on its X account.
The Hwange Local Board defends the tariff as a necessary measure to increase local revenue streams, which are vital for improving service delivery in the area. However, for many residents and business owners, the decision feels like a crackdown on leisure and entertainment.
With the future of snooker tables in Hwange hanging in the balance, operators are now faced with a difficult choice: pay the tariff or risk losing a popular pastime in their establishments.
The announcement came from town secretary Ndumiso Mdlalose, who warned that failure to comply with the payment would result in the forced closure of the snooker tables.
"We wish to inform you that an annual tariff of USD 80.50, inclusive of VAT, is due for the operation of a snooker table at your premises," Mdlalose stated. "Failure to pay will force Council to shut down your table."
While the new fee has sparked outrage among many local business owners who claim they were caught off guard by the sudden reminder, the Hwange Local Board maintains that the tariff is both legal and officially sanctioned. The local authorities have indicated that the charge forms part of their 2025 budget, which has already received approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
"This isn't new. The snooker table fee was introduced back in 2022 after proper consultations," the council clarified in a statement on its X account.
The Hwange Local Board defends the tariff as a necessary measure to increase local revenue streams, which are vital for improving service delivery in the area. However, for many residents and business owners, the decision feels like a crackdown on leisure and entertainment.
With the future of snooker tables in Hwange hanging in the balance, operators are now faced with a difficult choice: pay the tariff or risk losing a popular pastime in their establishments.
Source - H-Metro
