The fine for public drinking and other penalties has gone up.

The fines for schedules 1 to 3 where public drinking falls into along with public fighting is now between $200 and $500.

It will come across as a hindrance as the fine for public drinking was now the value about one pint of lager in a bottle store which meant it would not be a deterrent for those doing so on street corners as become common in Harare’s Avenues and some suburbs.

It had become a bit weird with people drinking heavily and getting involved in fights, all happening in public spaces. Incidentally being drunk in public alone can be cause for arrest according to the liquor act.

A fine can be paid but one can be detained until the payment is done.