Police Crack Down on Unlabelled Alcohol as Authorities Warn of Growing Public Health Risks

Police have issued a stern warning to retailers, vendors, and consumers over the sale and purchase of unlabelled alcoholic beverages as authorities intensify efforts to remove potentially dangerous products from the market. The warning was delivered during a Liquor Licence Review Workshop held in Gweru on Monday, where law enforcement officials outlined plans to strengthen enforcement against illegal alcohol sales and counterfeit liquor products.

Speaking at the event, police official Tonderai Chigweshe said authorities were increasingly concerned about the proliferation of unlabelled alcoholic drinks being sold through informal channels, including street vendors and unlicensed outlets. According to Chigweshe, some of the products contain alcohol but are sold without proper packaging, ingredient information, or alcohol content disclosures, leaving consumers unaware of what they are drinking.

"There are a lot of liquids being sold on the streets that have alcohol content, but people are not aware because they are not labelled," he said. "Our police officers are on the lookout for such products, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care will take serious action on such liquids."

Authorities say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to improve compliance within Zimbabwe's liquor industry and protect consumers from counterfeit alcohol and illicitly manufactured beverages.

Public health officials have repeatedly warned that unregulated alcoholic products can pose serious health risks because consumers cannot verify their ingredients, manufacturing standards, or alcohol strength. In some cases, counterfeit alcohol has been linked to poisoning incidents, organ damage, and other severe health complications in various parts of the world.

Chigweshe said the liquor licensing framework is designed not only to regulate businesses but also to protect communities, maintain public order, and safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people. Authorities have expressed growing concern over reports that some unlabelled alcoholic products are finding their way into the hands of underage consumers, including schoolchildren.

"Our role is preventative in stopping illegal sales. Police is empowered to enforce compliance, investigate breaches and protect public safety," Chigweshe said.

He warned that individuals and businesses found violating liquor regulations could face prosecution, fines, and other penalties.

"Criminal records are for life and can lead to permanent consequences such as a denied liquor licence for good," he added.

The ongoing review of Zimbabwe's liquor licensing framework seeks to improve awareness of existing regulations, strengthen enforcement, and curb the circulation of illicit alcohol products.

Authorities are urging consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed outlets and to avoid products that do not display clear labels, manufacturer details, and regulatory information. Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected cases of counterfeit or unlabelled alcohol sales to police, local authorities, or health officials. The intensified enforcement campaign reflects growing efforts by government agencies to improve consumer protection, reduce alcohol-related harm, and ensure that products sold on the market meet established health and safety standards.

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