24 Mar 2020

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has issued directives on liquor traders placing strict rules on public premises where there is consumption of liquor in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A press release from the ministry says institutions that are authorised to sell liquor for consumption on their premises have been advised to remain closed with immediate effect and these include, bars, night clubs, temporary trade for trade fair, festivals, picnics and other public activities including institutional canteens and tourism enterprises.

Further to this the ministry has placed revisions on bottle store licenses to authorise the sale of liquor to members of the public off the licensed premises between 10am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday where it is stipulated that no bottle store should be open on Sundays and public holidays.

It also states that whole liquor license and distributor liquor licenses would authorise the sale of liquor between 8am and 5pm between Monday to Saturday while no wholesale liquor and distributor liquor would be open on Sunday and during public holidays.

The release also stipulates that liquor depot licenses will authorise the sale and consumption of liquor off licensed premises (take away) between 10am and 8pm every day of the week.

The directive includes traditional beer retailers, including declared traditional beers such as Khadi, mokuru, stopoti, mokuru, nkumbi and ila.

Restaurants have been directed to open between 10am and 8pm. ENDs