Illegal alcohol sellers who have mushroomed across the city are crippling the business of registered nightclubs and bars while the government has set high operating standards to bring sanity in distribution, trends and patterns in the industry.
Popularly referred to as dollar deals, illegal players often sell their alcoholic beverages from their cars and backyard stores.
According to owners of nightclubs, bars and bottle shops, this trend has led to a reduction in patronage trends in popular entertainment centers that are supposed to meet a set of 26 standard conditions to obtain a license to operate.
But some clubs adhere to the standards.
Mr Ntando Ndlovu, Brand Management Consultant for Famous Brands Group, which runs the Cosmopolitan VIP Club and Crystal Night Club, said they were making efforts to meet the required government standards even though most of their establishments were compliant.
“Firstly, our hospitality group has two establishments operating with a nightclub license that are currently under scrutiny, namely the Cosmopolitan VIP Club and the Crystal Night Club. The Crystal Nightclub which is located in the city center is fully insulated and meets the standards,” he said.
“The Cosmopolitan VIP Club is also not located in a residential area but is at 65 percent isolation and further measures will be taken taking into account these new measures.”
Mr Ndlovu said government standards were a challenge for those who were operating under the radar, while for their facilities, it meant minor adjustments were needed.
He noted that the Liquor Licensing Board will have to give existing establishments flexible time to make changes without interrupting regular service and business.
Ndlovu said recreational runners in the city, such as clubs and bars, needed to establish an association to enable them to speak with one voice.
“There is no association that I know of specifically for bars and clubs, but I think the industry needs one as soon as possible,” he said.
Another nightclub owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said they have failed to meet standards since the coronavirus, which has crippled their business. “After Covid-19, no one went back to bars. People prefer to drink from their homes or places where they can spend time. They are around every corner and nothing has been done to reprimand them.”
“The standards set by the government will cripple us even more. We have started building again and now we have to face these difficult circumstances.
Meeting some of these standards will be a huge task for them right now, he said.
Mr Ngoni Manjoro, who also runs a foundation in the city, agreed to the idea of setting up an association.
“We had an association during Covid-19 but it no longer existed after that. We need to come together as club and bar owners and create an association,” he said.
The government last year put in place new guidelines for licensing nightclubs which include that the premises be completely soundproof so that operations do not affect residential homes.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has set new guidelines ahead of the renewal of nightclub licenses in 2024/25.
The stringent set of rules will prevent alcohol retailers whose establishments have a history of complaints from the public, a record of police fines or inadequate hygiene standards from renewing their operating licences.
The new regulations, which are part of the government’s wider efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, seek to address public safety concerns and reduce the spread of illegal alcohol outlets.
The move is also in response to growing concerns about the growing number of pubs operating in unsanitary environments and contributing to public disorder.
Under the rules, liquor dealers will not have automatic (licence) renewal for 2024 if their operations pose a threat to public safety.
Licenses are issued by the Liquor Licensing Board.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said in a statement that for a nightclub, the total area of the nightclub must be at least 40 square metres.
“The artist’s performance stage is only permitted for establishments approved for live performances. The building must be fully soundproofed for all establishments within residential areas. The entrance has double doors with a minimum width of 1.4 meters (opening to the outside). “Air conditioning or forced ventilation They must be operational to ensure sufficient air changes,” the new regulations say.
Illuminated fire escape signs must be displayed at all times when the public enters the building.
The ministry said that at least two toilets must be provided for each gender and at least three urinals or urinals three meters long.
“Suitable storage for liquor stocks and voids shall be at least 10 square metres, or may be outside the building in some form of enclosure which shall be roofed. The provision of a bar shall be permitted and, where such is established, it may not be necessary to provide a server for liquor “, read the statement.
“Where a bar per se is not permitted, a server shall be provided for dispensing alcoholic beverages by means of bartender service through a door opening. Where a bar wash is not an integral part of the bar, a hand wash sink shall be provided with a tiled splashback and piped water .
The ministry said that the work surface and shelves designated for storing glasses must have a smooth, impermeable finish.
Metal containers for bottle caps and metal trays should be provided to reduce spillage behind the counter.
There shall be sufficient fire-fighting apparatus, generally in accordance with local authority requirements, to be installed and maintained in good working order.
“Adequate fire escape facilities, indicated in prominent notices, must be provided and maintained in a safe system. All to meet the requirements of the local authority. Insurance: Adequate insurance to be charged against legal liability for loss or damage to guests’ property; injury, accident or Disease that affects people who do not work in the institution.
