The Lusaka City Council has resolved that funeral services business known as Funeral Parlours in the city should be regulated.
LCC Public Relations Manager George Sichimba says this follows a report and subsequent tour of selected funeral parlours and University Teaching Hospital (UTH) by the Health Services Committee recently.
Mr. Sichimba says it revealed that most people engaging in this kind of business are not registered and have no business permits from LCC.
Mr. Sichimba says the council, through a special council meeting, also resolved that Massage Parlours which have mushroomed in the city be regulated by Council so that they operate according to the standards of the Public Health Act.
He says Massage Parlours should be obtaining Class B Health Permits and Medical Certificates for workers to avoid infectious diseases.
He said the meeting approved the recommendation by the Health Services Committee to introduce the issuance of Health Permits to Bars and Night clubs.
“The introduction of Health Permits in Bars and Night Clubs would ensure compliance to hygiene standards and regulations in accordance with the Public Health Act Cap 295 of the Laws of Zambia. The resolution was made to correct the deteriorating health standards in the city, especially in Bars and Night Clubs,” he said.
“The Council also reiterated its earlier resolve not to issue or renew liquor licences to home shops and bars in markets. The Council approved the introduction of Health Permits and Food Handlers’ Medical Certificates for Restaurants in markets in accordance with the provisions of the Public Health Act Cap 295 and the Food and Drugs Act Cap 303 of the Laws of Zambia.”
He noted that in the past, people operating restaurants in markets were treated like any other trader but Council has realized that there is need to regulate the food preparation in markets because it has become common.