Hwange Orders Bars and Entertainment Spots to Pay Snooker Table Tax

Outrage as Hwange Slaps Bars with Snooker Table Tax

In a move that has baffled many Zimbabweans, bars and entertainment venues in Hwange have been hit with a new annual fee — this time for simply operating pool tables.

Hwange Orders Bars to Pay US$80.50 Tax Per Snooker Table

A notice from the Hwange Local Board has gone viral after revealing that venues with pool tables, commonly called snooker tables, must now pay an annual tariff of US$80.50, including VAT. The fee is supposedly in line with the board’s by-laws under Sections 269 to 272 of the Urban Councils Act.

“We wish to inform you that an annual tariff of USD 80.50, inclusive of Value Added Tax, is due for the operation of a snooker table at your premises. This payment is required in accordance with Hwange Local Board’s by-laws Sections 269 to 272 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15),” the notice further reads.

In an apparent clerical error, the notice gave businesses until Monday, 30 May 2025, to pay, although that date falls on a Friday. Despite the mix-up, the message was clear: pay up or stop playing. If businesses fail to comply, the council says it will ban the use of pool tables at their premises.

“Please be advised that failure to make this payment by Monday, 30 May 2025. will leave Council with no option but to prohibit the continued operation of the snooker table(s). We trust that you will attend to this matter promptly. Your cooperation is anticipated and sincerely appreciated,” the notice concludes.

Also read: Has the Zimbabwean government imposed a tax on betting winnings?

Zimbabweans React: “What’s Next — Breathing Tax?”

The notice, which ZimLive shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, 29 May, triggered a wave of reactions. Many Zimbabweans expressed disbelief, frustration, and humour, with some suggesting this could open the floodgates for more bizarre levies.

Some accused the council of exploiting small businesses, while others noted that the fee has allegedly existed for some time, just less widely known. Others mocked the situation, joking that even household items like TVs and fridges could be next.

Here are some of the reactions:

@DhemaSean:

Chasara kuisirwa levy pama tv ne mafiriji

@I_Am_Sheu:

This is bananas

@century_27:

Kufema ndokwasara, I remember Prophet Chiwenga talking about this in one of his followers.

@muzekepwa:

The local board has been collecting tariffs for snookers for some time now. This is not a new tariff.

@earthmover2017:

Epworth would get a $million if they go this route. It’s nonsensical, this from the Hwange council

The post Hwange Orders Bars and Entertainment Spots to Pay Snooker Table Tax appeared first on iHarare News.