GCC passes motion to regulate shebeens

The councillor for Boseja ward in Gaborone Bonnington North, Khumo Sebereko has tabled a motion for the Ministry of Trade and Industry to allow licensing of taverns or shebeens in homes.

Debating the motion, Sebereko said licensing of shebeens would help the council not only regulate the businesses, but also raise funds, while in the process, help empower the poor and economically battered, who are currently jobless or not formally employed. Sebereko stated that the majority of people are jobless, a situation worsened by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought in layoffs and the shutdown of companies. He said licensing will help empower operators as shebeens are deeply entrenched in the Botswana society. He added that most people grew up in families where their parents would sell liquor to be able to feed their families.