Bottle stores and nightclubs in Zimbabwe are now selling expired beer at low prices as they feel the effects of the national lockdown. A local bar and night club Londoners Sports Bar in Harare hung a notice on one of its gates written Expired Pilsner Pints 817 only referring to the Pilsner brand manufactured by Delta Beverages.
An investigation by Savanna News has identified several other night clubs that are now disposing or selling expired beer to willing buyers.
We talked to Mtunzi from Kuwadzana extension. He narrated his story: “Ndava kutengesera shamwari dzangu, nekuti hapana zvekuita. Kana vakasatenga ndinorirasa. Rimwe rasara ne mwedzi kuti rishate saka ndinovimba lockdown inenge yapera.” (I’m now selling to my friends but if they fail to finish the stock I will dispose off. Some of the beers still have a month left before expiry, i hope the lockdown will be over by then).
I’m selling my beers through Spar express. They are not expired, but if they fail to sell. I will see from there. You have to be clever,” said one bottle store operator based in Queensdale, Harare.
Businesses are still to register or receive relief from government as promised. Some are failing to pay workers and others have already closed.
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