adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
BULAWAYO councillors were involved in a heated debate at yesterday’s full council meeting over an application by a local liquor restaurant to upgrade to a night club. Horizon, a liquor restaurant, trading as Brumat (Pvt) Ltd made an application to the city council to operate as a nightclub. Some councillors opposed the application, thinking that it was insane to have a night club in the heart of the city. Horizon is situated at the corner of 8th Avenue and Fife Street.
However, most of the councillors were in supportof the application, saying it would augment entertainment facilities in the city.
Clr Clyton Zana, who was the first to object to the application, said he was against the recommendation because the premises in question were situated in the city centre.
“This place is situated right in the centre of the Central Business District (CBD) and it is unacceptable for it to be a night club. We have banks and corporate offices surrounding it. People will think we are not organised if we grant the licence. This shows that the responsible committee, which is supporting the proposal is not smart,” said Clr Zana.
Clr Gedion Mangena concurred: “We must not look at what other countries or cities are doing. This is our city and the last thing we want is the establishment of night clubs in the heart of the city.”
Clr Silas Chigora proposed that the application be accepted on condition that the property owners install sound proofing material before upgrading it to a night club.
There was support from most of the councillors, who ruled out the issue of noise, stating that the night club would be operating at night when the nearby banks, shops and offices are closed.
Clr Mlandu Ncube felt that the city lacked entertainment facilities especially at night. He said the place was an upmarket facility which would make the city alive at night.
“Why does the issue of noise/sound proofing only apply to drinking spots? There are many churches which play heavy musical instruments.
“It should be noted that most of the activities would only take place at night and therefore cause minimal disturbance,” he said.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Gift Banda said times were changing and the city should accordingly adjust.
He said the city needed such entertainment, adding that most night club activities take place in the evening when other businesses were closed.
According to the council’s latest minutes Town Clerk Middleton Nyoni advised that sound proofing was a condition in the policy, although some councillors dismissed it, saying it would be too expensive for the owners of the business.
The city fathers agreed to consult more on the application before a final decision is made.
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