Bars and Night Clubs in Lusaka will, with immediate effect, start operating on take away basis to avert the escalating numbers of COVID- 19.
The new measures will last for the initial period of 14 days subject to review.
The agreement was reached at during the meeting between LCC officials and the Bars and Night Club Owners Association of Zambia held at Civic Centre today
Bars will be operating on take away basis on the days and times as guided by the President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
As opposed to the total closure of bars, the meeting settled for operating on take away basis to allow operators clear the old stock.
Announcing the new measures, Lusaka Deputy Mayor, Christopher Shakafuswa, warned that any Bar and Night Club owners who will fail to comply with the new measures risk their licences being revoked.
And the Council has suspended all social gatherings for the next 14 days with immediate effect.
This means that no permit for social gatherings such as weddings, Chilanga Mulilo, Kitchen parties and Matebeto among others shall be issued.
Funeral gatherings have been restricted to only 50 close family members of the family.
Mr Shakafuswa also discouraged religious and political gatherings and devise other ways of reaching out to their members.
The Deputy Mayor urged authorities in markets and bus stations to ensure that commuters and traders adhere to COVID-19 guidelines at all times.
Mr Shakafuswa extended the call to vendors, adding that failure to do so may force the local authority to take other drastic measures.
And Bars and Night Clubs Owners Association of Zambia president, Peter Mwale said his association pledges total support to new measures put in place by the local authority.
Mr Mwale said his association will not side with any members that will fail to comply because the measures are aimed at protecting both workers and patrons from contracting the disease.
According to the Ministry of Health daily COVID -19 update for 6th January 2021, the country recorded 850 new confirmed cases in the last 24 hours with Lusaka leading with 448 cases.
The statistics for Lusaka are worrying hence the need for the local authority to take action.
Members of the Public in Lusaka are generally advised to strictly follow all COVID-19 guidelines to stop the rapid spread of the disease.
Issued by:
George Sichimba
Public Relations Manager
