LCC raids bars, night clubs
LUSAKA City Council (LCC) in conjunction with Zambia Police has carried out an operation to stop and control the scourge of bars and night club owners from operating beyond the stipulated closing hours.
LCC acting public relations manager, George Sichimba, said the operation took place in Kabwata, Libala, Chalala, Chilenje and Woodlands.
Mr. Sichimba said the operation yielded results as 15 bars and night clubs were closed such as the KCC club in Kabwata, African Braai in Chilenje, Chris Corner in Chilenje and Water Works in Libala.
He noted that during the operation, Council officers confiscated 23 speakers, Licences and other documents related to business permits from people that were found still operating after midnight.
“It is unfortunate that at KCC in Kabwata, there was an open air concert that made great noise for the neighbours in the area which was held by a known artist.
“The behaviour of the patrons was however uncalled for as they started throwing bottles at the officers after they were requested to leave and close the premises which resulted in a number of them being arrested and taken to Kabwata Police Station,” Mr. Sichimba noted.
He said those affected will have their cases looked at with the first offenders being slapped with a penalty and warning while those that had been a problem were likely to be considered for prosecution as an example to other perpetrators of the vice.
“The Statutory Instrument (SI) number 64 of 2012 derived from the Liquor Licencing Act of 2011 has stipulated that bars and bottle stores should start operating at 10 hours till 22 hours while the recommended time for night clubs to operate was from 10 to 24 hours.
“To the disappointment of LCC, it has been noted that some liquor traders do not observe the times that have been stipulated in the SI,” Mr. Sichimba said.
He said the council will also touch other parts of the city as it had already tackled the northern and southern parts of Lusaka and will not rest until the problem is completely curbed. Mr. Sichimba stated that late closing of bars and night clubs comes with noise pollution because loud music was played until the early hours of the next day.