By Teboho Serutla
Many liquor stores in the capital Maseru continue to operate illegally and without compliance to the health regulations that are aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These allegedly unlicensed sellers are always seen operating on weekends despite government’s directive that liquor stores should only open on weekdays to avoid unnecessary crowding that could increase the chances of spreading the virus.
Such establishments thrive at Tšenola and Mathokoane on the outskirts of the city; they are emboldened by lack of police visibility.
One of the illegal dealers at Mathokoane, who did not want to be named, said when police raid the wayward stores the owners simply pay off the cops.
“Even the soldiers who live in our village are our patrons, and they always warn us of an impending raid.”
Just this past Thursday, Maluti Mountain Brewery (MMB) and NACOSEC, met with licensed liquor store owners to discuss ways to ensure the safety of both operators and customers in their businesses.
The legit operators raised concern at illegal operators that do not comply with the Covid-19 regulations; they lamented that law enforcement officers treat the rogue liquor sellers with kids’ gloves just because the officers themselves are patrons at such stores.
