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Talent Gore
HARARE City Council will not renew licences for bottle store operators in the Central Business District as their presence has turned parts of the heart of the capital into open air toilets.
The move is in line with regulations introduced earlier this year to fight drug and substance abuse and curb the proliferation of illegal alcohol outlets.
All liquor retailing licences expired on June 30.
The City of Harare said they have taken note of residents’ complaints over the proliferation of bottle stores in the city centre, creating chaos and an unhygienic environment.
City of Harare spokesperson, Stanley Gama, said residents were complaining that the bottle stores were closing well beyond the regulated 8pm time, patrons were harassing residents, they are using the streets as toilets, and blocking traffic.
“The City would like to assure residents that action is being taken to bring normalcy to our beautiful city,” Gama said.
“The lawlessness brought about by the mushrooming of bottle stores in our streets should come to an end.
“We are aware that for some of them, their business licences have expired and when they come for renewal, they have to justify their existence.
“We have listened to the residents and we are going to make it very difficult for the bottle store operators to get business licences.”
He added that for those without valid business licences, they will close them down.
“We also urge residents to come forward if they have any complaints against these bottle stores in the City and we will take action,” said Gama.
Online Reporter