By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Kitwe City Council (KCC) has reminded operators of bars, night clubs, social liquor clubs and the general public that Statutory Instrument No 51 of 2020, the Liquor Licensing (Permitted Hours) (Amendment), Regulations, 2020 remains in force and that its strict implementation entails that all bars, night clubs and social liquor clubs are closed until such a time the SI is revoked.
KCC Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba says this means that if bars, night clubs and social clubs are to be tolerated, they should strictly comply with the enhanced measures announced by Government on the fight against Covid-19.
“Opening of bars is still remains Friday to Sunday from 18:00 to 22:00 hours with strict observance of the applicable golden rules, those who are not able to comply with the enhanced public health security measures for the sector should consider converting to take away bottle (retail liquor) undertakings permitted to open from 10:00 to 22:00 hours or wholesale liquor permitted to open from 08:00 to 18:00 hours,” she said.
Ms Mwamba said that the applicable penalty for non-compliance under the Liquor Licensing Act ranges from K9, 000.00 to K90, 000.00.
“We, therefore, wish to strongly advise operators of bars, tarvens, night clubs, casinos and gyms to strictly comply with the enhanced measures on the fight against Covid-19 to avoid triggering a situation of complete closure and penalties,” she said.
Ms Mwamba revealed that Kitwe City Council has suspended, for 21 days, the issuance of certifications for social gatherings.
“Weddings, birthday parties, kitchen parties, chilangamulilo, conferences, workshops and funeral gatherings permits are restricted to not more than 50 people have been suspended for 21 days; while restaurants are encouraged to operate on take away basis,” she said.
Ms Mwamba says that to ensure adherence on the ground in the city, a combined team of authorized officers from the Council and the Ministry of Health ( MoH) supported by State Police are monitoring compliance levels.
This is according to statement issued by Kitwe city council public relations manager Chola Mwamba.
