Lusaka Bars and Nightclubs To Be Take-Away Only

Bars and nightclubs in Lusaka will only be able to operate on a takeaway basis effective immediately as part of measures aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19. The new measures will last for an initial period of 14 days before being reviewed.

It comes as Zambia recorded 850 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, the highest figure since 18 March 2020. 

The new measures were agreed today at a meeting between Lusaka City Council officials and members of the Bars and Night Club Owners Association of Zambia. The measures have been introduced to avoid a total closure of bars and to allow operators to sell any excess stock rather than having to throw it away. 

Announcing the new restrictions, Lusaka Deputy Mayor Christopher Shakafuswa warned that any bar owner who failed to comply with the measures risked having their licence revoked. 

The council has also suspended all social gatherings in the city for the next 14 days, again with immediate effect. Weddings, Chilanga Mulilo, kitchen parties and matebeto are all banned, while funerals have been restricted to just 50 close friends and family. 

The deputy mayor has also advised against any religious or political gatherings and has urged those assembling at markets and bus stations to follow social distancing guidelines. 

The president of the Bar and Night Clubs Owners Association, Peter Mwale, has said the new measures have his full support and that his association will not side with any members who fail to comply with the restrictions.