SAMFYA COUNCIL WARNS BAR OWNERS

NOEL IYOMBWA writes

@SunZambia

BEER outlets that operate outside legal hours in Samfya will face the wrath of the local authority, warns public relations officer Gwendolyn Mchenga.

Ms Mchenga said there was law in place which stipulated what time bars and nightclubs should open and close.

“Legal time for opening and closing of bars had not changed and still stands at 10.00 hours in the morning and 22.00 hours in the evening,” Ms Mchenga said.

She was speaking after a combined team of Samfya Council and State Police last week apprehended eight patrons for  unruly behaviour in drinking places where they were found drinking before the stipulated opening hours.

In a statement Ms Mchenga said the patrons were arrested during a two day operation which was conducted in 51 bars and tarvens in Malila Ngoma , Mwense , Mwamfuli and Musaila compounds. 

She said the patrons were taken to Samfya Police Station for screening and those found wanting were charged accordingly.

“The officers have confiscated an assortment of expired merchandise and seized various properties such as music equipment like (DVD’s), speakers and trading licences from seven premises for non-compliance,

“The goods were released upon a payment of a penalty fee of  K400. As a local authority, I wish to state that we do not take pride in apprehending our residents but we expect them to abide by the law to avoid such inconviences,”she said.

She said the local authority would continue to prosecute bar owners who did not abide by the law and conducted business in a manner that inconvenienced other residents.