Sampa Closes Lusaka Bars Over Weekend

On Saturday night, a team led by Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa closed down dozens of bars that had illegally reopened in the capital, despite a presidential directive requiring bars and nightclubs to remain closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

Authorities closed down numerous drinking establishments in Lusaka, including Granddaddy Pub & Grill in Salama Park and Chicago Reloaded Restaurant at East Park Mall.

The raids came after it was revealed that numerous bars and night clubs in Lusaka had opened two weeks ago, irrespective of advice from health authorities.

 The Bar and Night Clubs Association of Zambia has complained of unfair treatment by the government, arguing that it is unjust for many other businesses to be allowed to reopen but not bars. It urged its members to reopen regardless if the government continued to ignore its pleas.

President Lungu condemned the premature reopening of bars in his Covid-19 address last week.

“It has come to my attention that some bar and night club business owners have resumed operations despite government’s directive to remain closed. This cavalier attitude by some businessmen and women should not be condoned,” the president said. 

Granddaddy’s Pub & Grill in Salama Park, Lusaka