By Amos Sikaonga 
By Amos Sikaonga
Siavonga Town Council in collaboration with the Zambia Police has confiscated six liquor trading licenses during a routine inspection and enforcement patrol targeting bars, taverns, nightclubs and liquor stores across the district.
Council Public Relations Officer Veronica Katongo said the the enforcement exercise began in Kanyelele, where the six liquor licenses were seized from operators found violating regulations.
Ms. Katongo said the violations include trading beyond legally permitted hours and failing to display valid licenses.
She revealed that a total of seven premises were found operating in breach of the regulations, with some owners fleeing and shutting their businesses prematurely upon learning of the patrol.
“Further inspections were carried out in Ketchline, where one bar was discovered illegally operating as a nightclub,” Ms. Katongo said.
“One Night Club called Soup Ya Mbuzi Night was also visited and was found to be compliant, having closed within the stipulated time.”
Ms. Katongo stated that checks conducted in the fishing camps of Matinangala and Mitcho revealed that all premises in those areas were closed at the time of inspection.
She explained that the six bar operators whose licenses were confiscated will be required to report to the Council and pay the applicable penalties to reclaim their permits.
“The public is hereby informed that these inspections are ongoing and any business found in violation will face immediate closure without further warning,” she stated.
She called on all liquor trading establishments to strictly follow the operating hours outlined in Statutory Instrument No. 86 of 2021.
“Failure to comply with the Statutory Instrument may result in the suspension or revocation of licenses,” she said.
“Siavonga Town Council remains committed to upholding law and order and promoting the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol in the district through continued patrols and monitoring.”
Cecilia Chiluba