Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
The Liquor Licensing Board is reviewing Zimbabwe’s outdated liquor laws, with a new framework expected within three months aimed at tightening compliance, protecting communities and aligning the sector with modern governance standards.
The review targets provisions under the current Liquor Act, which dates back to the 1970s and is widely seen as outdated and no longer reflective of present-day realities.
Stakeholders drawn from across the country — including consumers, residents, traditional leaders and liquor operators — are participating in consultations to shape the proposed law.
Speaking on the sidelines of an all-stakeholder meeting held on Wednesday, the board’s secretary Ms Precious Kusotera said the reform process is already underway and progressing within set timelines.
“On reviewing the Liquor Act, we need to incorporate modern developments and build a law that fosters a good relationship between the community, stakeholders, consumers, residents and operators,” she said.
Ms Kusotera said the board is also seeking to address growing concerns from residents, particularly noise disturbances and non-compliance with operating hours.
“To our customers, especially bar operators, we are appealing for them to follow the law, particularly with regards to operating times. Residents are raising concerns about noise during odd hours,” she said.
While encouraging business growth, she emphasised the need to safeguard communities.
“We encourage business, but we must also protect residents. Operators should understand and comply with the Liquor Act,” she said.
Ms Kusotera added that the consultations are being conducted in phases, with the first round now complete and a second round set to begin before the draft law is finalised and presented to Parliament.
“We have been engaging stakeholders across all provinces and are now consolidating the input gathered. We will proceed to a second round before producing a final draft within three months,” she said.
Traditional leader Chief Chikwaka said the current law’s colonial-era provisions have created gaps that are being exploited, resulting in the proliferation of unlicensed operators.
“The problems stem from the law’s redundancy. It does not address the Zimbabwean context, as it was designed to favour settlers. As traditional leaders, we are seeing loopholes that are contributing to the rise of unlicensed liquor outlets,” he said.
He also called for clearer regulation of traditional brews such as kachasu and chikokiyana, particularly in rural areas.
“We need an umbrella law that provides balance in how these traditional beverages are prepared and regulated,” he said.
Liquor store operator Mr Sunburn Makamure said the current system is cumbersome and called for reforms to simplify licensing procedures.
“We propose a one-stop shop system that allows operators to obtain licences and submit all required documents at once,” he said.
He also called for clarity on licensing periods and compliance requirements.
“Licences should run from January to December, rather than the current split periods. The new law should also clearly address issues such as soundproofing for nightclubs, including whether older establishments are exempt,” he said.
