Zambia, Lusaka: A team of officers from Lusaka City Council (LCC) this morning (Friday) conducted a joint raid with Zambia Police, confiscating illicit beer commonly known as Kachasu and Tiger from Simson and Town Centre market in the Central Business District (CBD).
The sale and manufacture of illicit beer are contrary to the Liquor Licensing Act No. 20 of 2011, which prohibits the manufacturing and sale of traditional beer without a license.
The Local Authority wishes to warn traders to refrain from engaging in such businesses as the long arm of the law will not spare those found wanting.
Lusaka City Council (LCC) wishes to reiterate its resolve to maintain order and sanity in the city, especially during a crucial time as now when the city is grappling with the Cholera Epidemic.
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has asked the public to alert the local authorities to traders who are still selling liquor in home shops.
Lusaka City Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Bulumba Nyambe says it has been difficult to pounce on erring traders, especially in the shanty compounds.
“We have a challenge in shanty compounds, but in other areas where we have access, we quickly move in and act according to the guidelines,” Nyambe said.
Speaking in an interview with media in Lusaka on Thursday, Nyambe noted that the trend of selling liquor in home shops has become rampant, hence the need to stop the scourge.
“It is a directive from the Ministry of Local Government to stop the illegal liquor traders because it’s against the licensing ACT,’’ said Nyambe.
He noted that as of last year, the council managed to convict fifty-five illegal liquor traders who appeared before the fast-track court.
“We arrested fifty-five traders who were found wanting and agreed to settle the matter outside the court, and five (5) were sentenced to three (3) months imprisonment,’’ said Nyambe.
He said that those who wish to trade in liquor should apply to LCC for inspection and validation.
He added that the council will continue pouncing on the home shops to ensure that the trend is stopped. He, however, advised members of the public to desist from selling liquor from home shops to avoid punitive measures.