FRANCIS CHIPALO writes
@SunZambian
Five bars and a restaurant have been put of business following a clampdown by the Lusaka City Council’s liquor licensing committee against entities failing to meet the set standards.
And the local authority has charged Keg and Lion for failure to display their liquor trading licensing.
The closed businesses have been accused of failing to meet the set standards as stipulated in the Liquor Licensing Act No. 20 of 2011.
Out-going council Assistant Public Relations Manager Brenda Katongola named Good Tellers, Sims Pub, Hub Pub and Grill and Midway Clans, all of Chilenje South as some of the bars that have been closed down.
Ms Katongola added that M’S Liquor Store, Time Square in Kabwata and Shinkole’s Nest in Kamwala South have also been closed down by the council.
And speaking during the operation, Kabwata Ward 6 Councillor, Longa Chiboboka, who is the chairperson of the Liquor Licensing Committee said the bars had been closed due to failure by the owners to meet the stipulated standards.
“As a committee we have also closed a restaurant called Rasoi Daibai Bar and Restaurant in Rhodes Park for illegally selling liquor without a trading license,” he said.
Chiboboka explained that most bars closed were found operating without health permits, fire licenses and liquor trading licence.
“Most of the premises closed were found to be operating without the necessary requisites such as health permits, fire certificate, business levy and liquor trading license,” Chiboboka explained.
He stated that his committee will work hard to ensure that bar owners in Lusaka comply with the set standards as prescribed by the Act; adding that those found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
