Paul Nyathi

Information and Publicity Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, on Tuesday evening surprised many when she declared that government was extending the sale of liquor to bottle stores and probably other liquor outlets too.

The Minister made a surprise look when she made the announcement when it was made clear to her that Bottle Stores have always been selling liquor since the first day of the lockdown.

Mutsvangwa said since the start of the lockdown, only supermarkets, with their tight security and refusal to allow on-site drinking, have been able to sell alcoholic beverages when in reality some supermarkets had actually withdrew liquor from their shelves during the lockdown period.

According to the new announcement made after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Bottle stores and other liquor outlets can now sell alcohol, but on the strict condition that no one drinks on or around the premises.

“Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association, seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet resolved that operations could resume in line with Covid-19 regulations and on condition that no liquor is consumed at their premises,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.