The government has announced that it will not renew the licenses of standalone bottle stores operating in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) once their current permits expire in June. Only liquor outlets located within supermarkets will be permitted to continue operating in the CBD.
This decision aligns with regulations introduced earlier in the year to combat drug and substance abuse and to reduce the proliferation of illegal alcohol vendors. Gabriel Masvora, the Communications and Advocacy Director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, stated that all liquor retailing licenses will lapse on June 30.
Masvora explained that a joint compliance inspection by the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s licensing inspectorate is underway to assess all liquor-selling establishments. After June 30, only bottle stores situated in large supermarkets will be authorized to operate within the CBD.
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The new regulations stipulate that liquor outlets will not automatically have their licenses renewed for 2024 if their operations jeopardize public safety. Businesses must adhere to registration requirements, and the Liquor Licensing Board will process applications that meet specified criteria.
The proliferation of alcohol retail outlets in central Harare has raised concerns among authorities, attributed to the ease of entry into the sector due to low capital and licensing fees. Additionally, the growth of the informal sector and inadequate enforcement of liquor licensing regulations have contributed to the increase in outlets in the capital.
Under the new regulations introduced by the Liquor Licensing Board, nightclubs lacking soundproofing, air conditioning, or insurance will not be granted licenses. Nightclubs must also display illuminated fire escape signs, provide adequate restroom facilities, maintain smooth impervious surfaces on bar countertops and shelves, and have firefighting appliances and fire escape facilities in place.