11/08/2026
Minister Balaam has issued new guidelines to local council officials against public alcohol consumption and betting. Aming them were;
1. STOP EARLY-MORNING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Local leaders should take the lead in discouraging early-morning alcohol consumption and work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure that bars and alcohol outlets do not operate in a manner that encourages people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working.
This is intended to address idleness, family problems and rising crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption in some communities, while promoting a productive and responsible population.
2. BARS AND MALWA JOINTS SHOULD OPEN AFTER 3:00 P.M. ON WORKING DAYS
Bars, Malwa joints and other alcohol-selling establishments should not open before 3:00 p.m. on working days, subject to applicable national laws, licensing requirements and lawful local government regulations.
3. ENFORCE LAWFUL OPERATING-HOUR DIRECTIVES
Bars and alcohol outlets that repeatedly defy lawful operating-hour directives should be closed, and appropriate enforcement action should be taken against persistent offenders in accordance with the law.
4. REGULATE BETTING OPERATING HOURS
Local governments should regulate the operating hours of betting companies within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with the aim of protecting communities, particularly young people, from harmful practices associated with excessive betting.