Liquor licence violation fine up +1000%

Oscar J Jeke

The Cabinet has approved an upward review of the fine for violating liquor operating conditions, from US$30 to US$400, as it intensifies the fight again drug and substance abuse, which has seen a total of 2 373 people and 48 drug dens closed, while 124 liquor outlet owners have also been arrested across the country.

The review comes as government seeks to tighten violation punishment on liqour outlet owners as well as promote adherence to operating conditions, while the committee on drug and substance has sought to clean out drugs and illegal substances from all the country’s provinces through various campaigns in partnership with civic organisations among other stakeholders.

Speaking to the media yesterday at the post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed the development that will see stricter conditions for operation violations including imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years.

“Joint operations involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police were conducted resulting in 724 liquor premises being inspected, out of which 124 outlet owners were arrested for violating license conditions. Cabinet also approved the upward review of the fine from level 5 of USD30 to Level 7 which is USD400 or the ZIG equivalent or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years,” he said.

According to the information minister, Harare tops the list with the most number of drug dens destroyed during the ongoing campaign that has also seen a number of individuals arrested in connection with drug and substance abuse

Monitoring, surveillance and law enforcement activities continue with a total of 2 373 individuals having been arrested while 48 bases were identified, raided and destroyed in six provinces, namely: Harare (10), Manicaland (25), Mashonaland Central (6), Matabeleland North (3), Mashonaland West (2) and Midlands (2).

The anti-drug campaign also included awareness campaigns in the education sector and among the youth in different provinces, aiming to sensitise youth and learners through assemblies, peer education and sporting activities, all this done through a partnerships with the Victim Friendly Unit.

“A total of 25 792 youths were sensitized on anti-drug and substance abuse-related matters in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North and Manicaland provinces, while in the education sector a total of 569 969 learners were sensitized through special assemblies, in collaboration with the Victim Friendly Unit, Guidance and Counselling interactive sessions, sporting activities and peer education. Crystal Meth has been designated as a dangerous drug.

“It is pleasing to note that some religious organisations have embraced the fight against drug and substance abuse through campaigns encouraging particularly the youths to live drug-free lives,” he added.