BEPA dismisses minister’s 24-hour economic success claim

In a sharply worded statement, BEPA says the declaration by the minister lacks credible, verifiable or independently assessed data. Tensions have been simmering between industry players and the Trade minister over the extended liquor trading hours, in which bars were permitted to open for 24-hours during the holidays. “The assertion has been made without the presentation of any credible, verifiable or independently assessed data and stands in direct contradiction to the realities experienced across the creative and entertainment sectors,” read the statement.

According to BEPA from the industry’s standpoint, the extension of bar operating hours from 6P:M to 6A:M has dealt a significant blow to event-based enterprises as patrons opt to remain in bars. “The shift has fundamentally eroded the value preposition of organised events, as patrons increasingly opt to remain within bar environments where entertainment is freely accessible, often at the expense of structured perfor:mances that depend on ticket sales and formal production investments,” the statement further read. Beyond economic concerns that have crippled ticketing events, BEPA also raises alarm over public safety.

The association cited Botswana Police Service’s (BPS) report that violent crimes surged. “Equally troubling is the minister’s failure to acknowledge or adequately respond to public safety concerns that have emerged during the same period. BPS has indicated that violent crimes surged by more than 63% over the Easter holidays, a development that puts enormous pressure on policing resources,” BEPA said.

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The association further criticises what it describes as a narrow understanding of a 24 hour economy. “A genuine 24 hour economy is not defined by extended alcohol consumption or trading hours in isolation but rather by a coordinated, multi sectoral system that includes effective law enforcement,” BEPA said. BEPA has since called for the immediate release of data supporting government’s claims, the suspension of further rollout and urgent stakeholder engagements.

Meanwhile, BEPA alongside the Botswana Night Clubs and Bar Association (BNCBA) have postponed its planned march to pave way for an engagement with the minister. The march was organised to hand over a petition to the Office of the President. ‘A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle’.- George William CurtisAccording to the report carried in this publication, the fraudsters operating the so-called “dark fleet” have selected Botswana’s flag as their cover of choice. This is a direct assault on our country’s most valuable asset, the good name.For decades, Botswana has…

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