The Zambia Consumer Association has condemned bar operators and other businesses that are abrogating Covid 19 health regulations and Presidential orders regarding opening of bars.
Association Executive Secretary Juba Sakala told Money FM News that it is highly irresponsible to disregard health regulations just to satisfy one’s desire to consume alcohol, as operations conducted by the Lusaka City Council in selected townships have revealed wide-spread abrogation of Covid 19 health regulations by consumers and business owners.
Mr. Sakala stated that alcohol has severe social, economic and health consequences, hence the need for consumers to exercise restraint.
“Operations conducted by the Lusaka City Council in selected townships of the city have revealed wide-spread abrogation of Covid 19 health regulations and Presidential orders regarding opening of bars during the Covid 19 pandemic.
“We strongly condemn the behavior of these bar operators and urge the local authority not to relent,” Mr. Sakala stated.
He also advised other local authorities to heighten community surveillance and bring the wrong doers to book.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sakala called on Councils throughout the country to enforce smoke free laws during this difficult period of the Covid 19 pandemic.
He said this is because according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global public health institutions, smokers are predisposed to more severe Covid 19 complications.
“The Local Government Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Regulations, 2008 issued under Statutory Instrument No. 39 of 2008, read in conjunction with the Public Health Act, Chapter 295, as amended, and the Public Health Tobacco Regulations, 1992 mandate and confer powers on Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) to enter any premises to conduct inspections as they deem fit and undertake any enforcement action against persons who violate the law. We demand ACTION.”
“In the same vain, we implore smokers to take advantage of this unfortunate but unique atmosphere to quit smoking and/or seek help where necessary,” he added.
On Monday, Lusaka City Council Public Relations Manager George Sichimba disclosed that a number of bars and liquor store operators are not observing public health guidelines following a combined team inspection of Public health Inspectors, Council Police and Zambia Police conducted on Sunday night.