TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Bar owners in Bulawayo have applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allowing them to operate while adhering to prescribed health guidelines, Business Times can report.
For the past two years, bars and nightclubs have been barred from operating following the outbreak of Covid-19.
However, the government last week allowed licensed bars and nightclubs to open only to fully vaccinated patrons.
“We want to thank the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) for opening bars. We have been closed for so long. As Zimbabwe is open for business and we are very happy that we will be able to contribute to the economy once again. We are looking forward to getting back our customers,” Bulawayo’s Liquor Association chairperson Rejoice Mafukidze told Business Times.
Liquor Association which has night clubs affiliated to include Shisha bars, Zahara, Crystal Palace, Theatre bar, Links, Stop over, Cassy’s bottle store and Chandos bottle store.
Mafukidze said a significant number of stocks have been lost as they expired.
“Also we have incurred bills during this period of time we are liable to pay and there is no assistance coming to aid us. We have had to send employees home who have no idea when they will return to service.
At a post Cabinet briefing last Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the reopening came with the realisation that the closure had resulted in loss of revenue and jobs for operators and their staff.
Bar owners are required to ensure that the World Health Organisation and national health protocols and guidelines are enforced to avoid having their licences withdrawn.
Although the government had closed bars and nightclubs, there were unscrupulous owners who had been operating illegally around the country.
There have been running battles with the police. Some have been arrested together with their patrons.
