Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
UNREGISTERED entertainment promoters in Mutare are facing legal action as the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe moves to tighten enforcement against operators hosting public events without valid licences.
The warning comes as Mutare’s entertainment scene continues to provide a platform for musicians, DJs and other performers, with bars, clubs and entertainment centres regularly hosting shows.
In a Press statement released earlier this week, the arts regulatory body, said it will work closely with the police to conduct joint monitoring, inspections and enforcement operations targeting unlicenced promoters and events that fail to meet required standards.
The council said it is empowered to licence promoters under Section 13(4) of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2006.
No promoter, corporate body, commercial entity, event organiser or organisation may host a commercial public entertainment event without a valid NACZ promoter’s licence.
“Operating outside the confines of the law compromises the safety of the public and undermines the integrity of the creative sector,” said the council.
The planned enforcement measures address public safety, artiste protection, unfair competition and revenue losses, the council said.
Poorly organised events can expose revellers to inadequate security, weak crowd control, insufficient emergency medical arrangements, fire hazards, unsuitable venues, misleading advertising, cancellations, criminal activity, drug and alcohol abuse and excessive noise pollution.
The council also highlighted the potential exploitation of artistes through delayed or non-payment, lack of written contracts, unfair revenue-sharing arrangements and the denial of royalties and other rights.
It said unlicenced promoters create unfair competition by undercutting licenced operators, distorting the market and discouraging professional investment in the creative sector.
Noncompliance also causes revenue leakages, including the loss of legitimate Government and local authority revenue, and deprives authorities of reliable data for sector planning.
The NACZ has issued a warning to all unlicenced promoters to stop hosting events until they meet licencing requirements.
Its planned collaboration with the ZRP signals closer monitoring and enforcement, although the council did not specify when operations would begin or outline particular penalties.
Promoters should verify their licencing status with the NACZ and ensure that events meet legal and safety requirements. Licencing is intended to help authorities identify organisers, assess venues and planned activities, and respond effectively when problems arise.
Promoters are also expected to confirm licences before advertising shows, engage artistes through clear agreements, and provide adequate security, emergency arrangements and crowd-management plans.
Venue owners and managers should also check that promoters have the necessary approvals before allowing events on their premises. Industry stakeholders have been encouraged to seek clarification on the licencing process and resolve compliance issues early to avoid disruptions, cancellations and possible legal action.
The success of the enforcement programme will depend on consistent implementation, clear communication and cooperation among the NACZ, police, local authorities, venue operators, promoters, artistes and the public.
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NACZ warns unregistered promoters
