SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
LUSAKA City Council (LCC) has given Chicagos at East Park Mall and four others 24 hours ultimatum to show cause why their club licences should not be revoked for contravening public health guidelines.
According to council public relations manager, George Sichilimba, based on LCC investigations and video footage, it had been established that Chicagos management over the weekend allowed their premises to operate as a bar and night club with unsatisfactory practice of social distancing.
Mr Sichimba said the violations contravene the provisions of Statutory Instrument Nos. 21 and 22 of 2020 made under the Public Health Act Cap 295 of the Laws of Zambia.
“Other premises found contravening similar public health guidelines are Decapo Coffee Bar and Lounge, Cock and Bull and Keg & Lion,” he said.
He said those premises were found wanting during routine inspections conducted by Public Health Inspectors to ascertain compliance with public health guidelines during the night of May 29, 2020.
Similarly, he said, LCC had given them 24 hours ultimatum from the time of receipt of their letters to show cause why Council should not revoke their liquor licenses.
Mr Sichimba said this was according to letters to owners of the affected premises dated June 1, signed by Lusaka Town Clerks Alex Mwansa.
Meanwhile, Mr Sichimba said Farley’s Pub and Grill had also been given 24 hours from the time of receipt of the letter to show cause why the Council should not take legal action against them for operating without valid Health Certificate and Business Permit.
He said the establishment was found wanting during the same inspections.
