THE Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) has expressed concern over the increase in unregulated grocery stores that are reportedly turning into unlicensed bottle stores or shebeens in the evenings. Last week, Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Nicholas Phiri directed all councils to regulate alcohol-selling establishments and control noise pollution in their districts. “The Ministry has observed with concern that there is a rapid increase in bottle stores, shebeens and bars mushrooming in residential areas. This has led to a sharp increase in noise pollution, drunk and disorderly behaviour and criminality. It is against this background that the Ministry wishes to reinforce circulars issued by the Ministry on your mandate to strictly regulate all establishments selling...