Harare closes Cosmopolitan Bar over ‘deliberate’ tax evasion

19By Nigel PfundeHarare- The Harare City Council has shut down Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Bar in Alexandra Park primarily due to tax evasion and operating without a mandatory Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) certificate, Express Mail Zim can report.Council officials found that the establishment owes the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) more than US$14 000 in unpaid taxes and does not hold a valid tax clearance certificate, which constitutes tax evasion. Additionally, the operator failed to produce a valid ZIDA licence, a compulsory requirement for commercial hospitality enterprises.“This is a clear case of deliberate non-compliance,” a council official said. “The operator has been evading basic statutory obligations while continuing to trade illegally.”Beyond these serious breaches, the closure was also prompted by an expired liquor licence that had not been renewed since July 29, 2024, as well as missing supporting documents required for liquor licence renewal including a health inspection report and ZIMRA tax clearance certificate, which were not produced during the inspection.Another council official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added: “We are sending a strong message that no establishment, regardless of its connections, is above the law.”A closure notice has since been placed at the premises, ordering the immediate cessation of operations until all compliance requirements are met.Meanwhile, the council said the operation forms part of an ongoing citywide compliance blitz targeting restaurants, bars and other hospitality outlets to ensure adherence to licensing, health and taxation regulations .BrucechiyangwaCosmopolitanPinnaclepeoperties Harare- The Harare City Council has shut down Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Bar in Alexandra Park primarily due to tax evasion and operating without a mandatory Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) certificate, Express Mail Zim can report.

Council officials found that the establishment owes the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) more than US$14 000 in unpaid taxes and does not hold a valid tax clearance certificate, which constitutes tax evasion. Additionally, the operator failed to produce a valid ZIDA licence, a compulsory requirement for commercial hospitality enterprises. “This is a clear case of deliberate non-compliance,” a council official said.

“The operator has been evading basic statutory obligations while continuing to trade illegally.” Beyond these serious breaches, the closure was also prompted by an expired liquor licence that had not been renewed since July 29, 2024, as well as missing supporting documents required for liquor licence renewal including a health inspection report and ZIMRA tax clearance certificate, which were not produced during the inspection. Another council official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added: “We are sending a strong message that no establishment, regardless of its connections, is above the law.” A closure notice has since been placed at the premises, ordering the immediate cessation of operations until all compliance requirements are met. Meanwhile, the council said the operation forms part of an ongoing citywide compliance blitz targeting restaurants, bars and other hospitality outlets to ensure adherence to licensing, health and taxation regulations .

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Nigel PfundeNigel Pfunde is a Zimbabwean journalist and news editor based in Harare. He is known for his work with Express Mail Zimbabwe and has also served as News Editor at Zim Morning Post. With a background in investigative and political reporting, Pfunde has covered a wide range of topics including fraud cases, government affairs, economic issues, and community outreach.

His writing reflects a strong commitment to accountability and public interest journalism. Nigel Pfunde is a Zimbabwean journalist and news editor based in Harare. previous postFull Transcript: Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026 Second Readingnext postApostle Chipoyera takes delivery of the 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan gift

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