Tanzanian bar owners resist policing sex work, seek official recognition

Bar owners in Kinondoni, Tanzania, are calling on authorities to intervene in the control of sex work, stating it is not their responsibility to police the activities of sex workers. They argue that being tasked with managing these activities to meet business license requirements is unfair, as bars serve all patrons without discrimination.

During a five-hour meeting in Kinondoni Municipality, bar, nightclub, and entertainment venue owners discussed challenges and the enforcement of liquor licensing laws. They proposed that if the government finds it suitable, sex workers should be officially recognized and issued special licenses to separate their activities from legitimate bar businesses. Owners emphasized their commitment to adhering to the 1968 Liquor Licensing Act and noise regulations, but identified the presence of sex workers as a significant challenge, leading some bars to be perceived as brothels.

The meeting followed the closure of 13 bars on February 22 for alleged violations of the 1968 Liquor Licensing Act, including excessive noise and conducting unauthorized activities. Among the closed establishments were Element, Big Joe, Velvet, and Tips Coco Beach, among others.

Joyce Cosmas, owner of Kwa Joyce Bar, highlighted the difficulty of preventing sex workers from entering bars, noting that they also bring customers. "Saying to ban them from coming to bars is not easy, because when they come, they also bring customers. They have their own lives that continue, so if you chase them away from here, you will meet them somewhere else. What will be the end result?" she questioned. She reiterated that if sex work is to be acknowledged, the government should officially recognize the group and designate specific areas for their activities, rather than placing the burden on bar owners.

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Saying to ban them from coming to bars is not easy, because when they come, they also bring customers. They have their own lives that continue, so if you chase them away from here, you will meet them somewhere else. What will be the end result?