admincancellation of the Jazz 105 operating licence.
Fans who had queued up to buy tickets for the much-anticipated show, which was supposed to start at 6:00pm, were left a disappointed lot as they were turned away from the venue.
“We received a letter around 4:00pm from the licensing authority notifying us of the development, so we had to call off the show because it is practically impossible to hold a successful show without selling liquor,” said Jazz 105 proprietor Josh Hozheri.
The Herald understands that Jazz 105 is in possession of a special restaurant licence that allows it to sell liquor up to 11:30pm only but had been operating beyond the stipulated hours.
According to the law one must have a late liquor licence if they wish to stay open after 11:30pm. A late liquor license holder is allowed to operate up to 2:30am.
Shows that were scheduled for the joint have been temporarily put on hold as Jazz 105 management is expected to appear before the Liquor Licensing Board on December 2.
Jazz 105 has become one of the premier entertainment joints in Harare, providing top-notch entertainment in jazz and several other genres.
It had also become synonymous with annual jazz festivals, such as the Winter Jazz Festival, in the last five years.
Online Reporter