Mohloai Mpesi
SENATORS this week raised alarm over lawlessness in liquor trading across the country, warning that the growing disregard for licensing laws is disrupting communities and endangering public health and safety.
Senator Mabataung Mokhathala asked the Leader of the House, Mr Matjato Moteane, what measures the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports is taking to ensure liquor businesses operate within the law.
“As members of communities, we witness the consequences firsthand,” she said.
“Acts of prostitution are rampant near these establishments.”
She added that used condoms were often scattered around liquor outlets, posing a direct threat to public health.
Senator Makholu Moshoeshoe echoed Ms Mokhathala’s concerns, describing the situation as hazardous for both nearby residents and patrons themselves.
“These businesses have become breeding grounds for risky behaviour,” she said, urging the ministry to act swiftly.
Earlier this year, the Liquor Licensing Board suspended the issuing of licenses indefinitely, citing concerns that the proliferation of night clubs had fuelled crime and social vices—leaving prospective liquor sellers stranded.
The Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture—under which the board falls—said the move followed consultations with the police, which had revealed that liquor outlets were hubs of violent crime. However, the police denied influencing the board’s decision.
The Lesotho Liquor and Restaurants Owners Association (LLROA) dismissed the suspension as illogical, rejecting the board’s explanation.
The ministry’s public relations manager, ‘Mamolise Falatsa, said the suspension aimed to curb violent crimes in the country.
Meanwhile, the Senate entered a brief adjournment until September 23 to allow members to attend a high-stakes meeting with the Prime Minister regarding the 11th Amendment to the Constitution Bill, 2025.
Mr Moteane stressed the importance of the gathering, calling it “a moment to map the future of the country.” He urged all Senators to attend, highlighting the weight of the constitutional reforms under discussion.
The meeting comes amid rising tension between the Senate and the National Assembly, particularly over the handling of the 10th Amendment. Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Khoabane Theko, voiced frustration, saying the reforms were long overdue.
He also questioned why the Prime Minister was sent to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) under the banner of the 10th Amendment, which, he argued, was never properly passed by both Houses of Parliament but rather pushed through by the National Assembly alone.
