The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has temporarily closed down five bars and lodges for trading without liquor licences.

LCC Public Relations Officer Lisa Ng’oma tells Money FM News that this follows an inspection conducted by the Liquor Licensing Committee on June 21st of over 20 bars where it was discovered that most bars and nightclubs in Lusaka operate illegally.

Ms Ng’goma said the committee was split in two groups and toured different parts of Lusaka, with one group touring Kalingalinga, Mtendere, and Kaunda Square areas and the other touring Emmasdale, Kanyama, Makeni and Chawama areas.

“Saba Saba Bar, a popular bar in Kaunda Square stage 1 was closed for trading without a liquor licence. The premise also has a guest house which has very dirty toilets, and dirty guest rooms,” She said.

“Other places that were closed for the same reasons include Musanzala Bar, Kabs Mall and Thabc Guest house in Kalingalinga”

Ms Ng’goma said the inspections aims at ensuring that bar operators adhere to the required standards of the Public Health Act before being granted licences.
She further expressed that a number of bar owners have not been granted operating and liquor licenses due to lack of meeting the required standards.

Ms Ng’goma adds that the committee also expressed concern about the improper waste management of some clubs and lodges and encouraged them to ensure that they adhere to the Public Health regulations put in place by LCC.

The City council has since advised the club and bar owners to ensure that adequate facilities for fire prevention are put in place if they wish to be granted operating and liquor licenses.