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Gibson Mhaka
CITY of Bulawayo Councillors have expressed concerns over the operations of bottle stores, sports bars and nightclubs in the city.
This emerged during a recent council meeting, where Councillors raised concerns about the prevalence of outlets operating beyond stipulated hours and the resulting negative impact on the community.
This was after the submission of an application for a development permit to establish a bottle store within a local supermarket.
The application sought permission to construct and operate a bottle store within an existing supermarket, which would have allowed for the sale of alcoholic beverages alongside other grocery items.
Ward 16 Cllr Greater Gumede initiated the discussion by seeking clarification on the normal operating hours of these establishments, highlighting that many were operating beyond the prescribed times.
“Councillor G. Gumede sought clarification on the normal operating hours of bottle Stores, bars, sports bars and nightclubs. Most of these outlets operated beyond stipulated hours.
“Councillor M. Masuku (Ward 12, Muziwakibo Masuku) enquired why council was failing to enforce relevant by-laws especially in high density areas. There was a lot of fouling of the environment surrounding stand-alone bottle stores.
“Councillor F. T Madzana (Ward 18, Felix Takunda Madzana) also noted that some of the bottle stores within supermarkets that were in areas where crowds gathered were used for the purchase of alcohol and this resulted in a lot of fouling.
“Councillor S. Moyo (Ward 17, Sikhululekile Moyo) also indicated that some bottle stores operated like sports bars beyond their operating hours,” the minutes read in part.
Ward 11 Cllr Susan Sithole complained about the fouling of the environment around standalone bottle stores. Some patrons purchased alcohol and drank from their vehicles. She felt that there should be a relevant policy.
Ward 2 Cllr Adrian Redani Moyo proposed a multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss enforcement issues and address illegal activities.
He highlighted the growing complaints from residents and the urgent need for action.
The deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu clarified that while development permits allowed for the establishment of these outlets, the operational conditions were regulated by the liquor licensing board.
Ward 3 Cllr Mxolisi Mahlangu opposed the establishment of more bottle stores, both standalone and within supermarkets, citing the prevalence of illegal activities and environmental pollution.
“A lot of illegal activities took place. In Mahatshula one bottle store had turned out to be a night club. A lot of fouling happened around the area. Residents were complaining. Enforcement was lacking from both council and the ZRP,” further read the minutes.
In response the Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou provided details of the operational hours for different alcohol outlets, including bottle stores, sports bars and nightclubs.
“Bottle stores are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, sports bars are open from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm, and nightclubs are open from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am. Previously the council had faced challenges with stand-alone bottle stores. This resulted in the encouragement of bottle Stores within a supermarket.
“It was a difficult task for bottle store owners to drive away patrons who drank outside the bottle store. This task was left to ZR Police to enforce the public drinking laws. A motor vehicle in terms of the law was regarded as a private space.
“The challenge arose on the fouling of the environment because of the non-availability of ablution facilities at shopping centres.
“A multi-stakeholder meeting would go a long way in mapping a solution,” she said.
She said businesses in those crowded areas were also asking the council to enforce the relevant laws and reduce the number of people on the streets.
Online Reporter