In a notice this week, the LLB said renewal of liquor
licences is not going to be automatic as it seeks to bring sanity in the
distribution, trends and patterns in the industry.
“The secretariat wishes to inform you that all bottle
liquor shops will not enjoy an automatic renewal,” read part of the notice.
The acceptance of the bottle liquor licence renewal shall
be subject to the arbitrate by the LLB countrywide and will advise accordingly.
Reasons for the non-automatic renewal of licences include proximity of some
shops to bus termini, those in the Central Business District (CBD) as
determined by the board, those situated at fuel service stations, nuisance
creation and sub-standard structures.
Some of the shops will fail to get licences renewed due to
appalling hygiene standards, location in proximity to heritage sites and those
that have been issued three or more fine tickets paid at police stations for
various offences within one calendar month.
Also affected will be shops that have attracted public
complaints, those that pose threats of any hibernation and that have illegal
alteration of structures.
The LLB said the exercise will also affect those shop
owners who are processing or have already completed the renewal process.
Many bottle stores around the country have literally turned
into full bars and night clubs with patrons drinking from within the premises
leading to fouling of the surrounding environment, including open defecation,
while creating unfair competition for regular bars. Lack of ablution facilities
at many service centres has become common place leading to fouling of service
lanes and other open spaces at a time the country is in the throes of a cholera
outbreak. – New Ziana.
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