Mutare bars defy lockdown regulations

SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE

It is business as usual for most bottle stores and other liquor outlets dotted across the city of Mutare despite the national lockdown announced early this month to curb the spread of Covid-19, Business Times can report.

Early this month, the government banned the bottle stores, bars and nightclubs to suspend operations as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic amid a spike in cases.

Zimbabwe has now recorded 32,002 cases and 1,103 deaths as at January 26.

In a survey conducted by this newspaper, a number of outlets were selling beer daily through the backdoor.

In suburbs such as Dangamvura, Sakubva, Hobhouse, Chikanga, Morningside and town area, liquor businesses were thriving.

Operators said they had no choice but to continue trading as they have obligations to meet such as rentals and food at home.

“Had the government cushioned businesses during this dire period through availing allowances that support us during this time, obviously we would not take such risks,’’ a liquor businessman who rents a liquor business in Hobhouse suburb told Business Times on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Another Mutare businessperson Brighton Chatora said business was depressed despite their continuing operation under the lockdown and curfew.

.“It is a dog-eat-dog situation as most people are finding it hard to spend on luxuries such as alcohol,” he said.

But as it stands people are between a hard rock and a hard place. Not many people have much disposable income to splash on beer so the hazards are too much to bear.”

The demand for liquor has also escalated leading to some imbibers resorting to taking beers that are illicit and openly available on the black market for a fair price.

One patron at a popular city spot, Julius Mangoma, said it would be difficult to stop people from visiting drinking places since they have so much time in their hands.

“Many people have nothing to do at this time and they would want to kill time having one or two drinks with peers and friends,” Mangoma said.

Some women’s organisations such as the Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe and the Musasa Project have reported an upsurge in gender-based violence cases during the lockdown period.

The increase in cases has been attributed to friction caused due prolonged idle hours as spouses have nothing else to do.

The police in Mutare have arrested and fined dozens of patrons at numerous watering halls in the city and residential areas including shebeens that have sprouted up. But, this has failed to rein in the beer drinking trend in the city.

A Bindura businessman was recently fined ZWL$100 000 for illegally operating a nightclub during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Five patrons found drinking at the club were fined each fined ZWL$50,000.