Police Warn Against Sale of Unlabelled Alcoholic Drinks in Zimbabwe

Chief Inspector Tonderai Chigweshe says police are intensifying operations against unlabelled and counterfeit alcoholic beverages across Zimbabwe.

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | GWERU

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned retailers, vendors and consumers against the sale and purchase of unlabelled alcoholic beverages, saying the proliferation of unregulated alcohol poses a serious public health and safety risk. Police say they have intensified operations nationwide to remove counterfeit and unlabelled alcoholic products from the market as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with Zimbabwe's liquor licensing laws.

Speaking during a Liquor Licence Review Workshop in Gweru on Monday, Chief Inspector Tonderai Chigweshe said the liquor licensing system plays a critical role in protecting communities, maintaining public order and preventing minors from accessing alcohol.

"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," Chigweshe 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."

Chigweshe said police had received reports of unbranded alcoholic beverages being sold in some communities, with concerns that schoolchildren were among those purchasing the products.

He warned that the sale of alcohol outside the legal regulatory framework undermines consumer safety because buyers cannot verify the contents, alcohol strength or manufacturing standards of the beverages.

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

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of illicit alcoholic drinks sold in unmarked containers at informal markets and by unlicensed vendors.

Health experts have previously cautioned that unregulated alcohol may contain harmful substances or unsafe levels of alcohol because it is produced outside approved manufacturing and quality control systems.

Chigweshe urged liquor licence holders, retailers and informal traders to comply with Zimbabwe's liquor regulations, warning that violations could have lasting legal consequences.

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

Under Zimbabwe's liquor licensing framework, businesses selling alcoholic beverages are required to obtain the appropriate licences and comply with labelling, health and safety requirements enforced by relevant authorities. The Ministry of Health and Child Care is responsible for regulating the safety of food and beverages, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police enforce compliance with criminal and licensing laws.

Authorities have encouraged members of the public to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed retailers and to avoid products that lack clear labels indicating the manufacturer, ingredients, alcohol content, batch number and expiry information where applicable. Police said ongoing inspections and enforcement operations will continue across the country as part of efforts to curb the sale of illicit alcohol and protect consumers from potentially dangerous products.

Unlabelled alcoholic beverages in Zimbabwe