
Latwell Nyangu
THE Liquor Traders Association of Zimbabwe (LTAZ) has urged bottle store owners to adhere to opening and closing times following a public outcry over how those operating within the Harare CBD are now even closing right after midnight.
Bottle stores are supposed to close at 8pm but many of the outlets, which have mushroomed around the Harare CBD, extend their operating hours even to midnight.
H-Metro has been inundated by complaints from Harare residents.
In an interview, LTAZ Public Relations Officer, Nyaradzo Manonge said, the public have a right to raise their concerns with them.
“We always encourage them to adhere to opening and closing times.
“Reminders are sent out from time to time and the public is encouraged to report in writing to the secretary of the board with their concerns.
“Alternatively, they can come through to our offices and we will escalate the issue.
“Our members are aware that as traders we should adhere to stipulated time frames,” she said.
According to the Liquor Act, bottle stores should open any day between 9 am and 8 pm.
Beer halls can open day between 10 am to 11pm, clubs can open any day between 10:30 am to 11pm, night clubs can open any day between 8pm to 3am the next day,
However, there has been a complete disregard of the law by the bottle store owners who operate in the Harare CBD.