The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship has clarified that the recently gazetted adjustment of liquor trading hours is a temporary festive season measure, applicable only during the Christmas and New Year holidays, and does not amount to a permanent change in Botswana’s liquor laws.
In a statement released on Monday, the ministry said the special operating hours will apply from December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026, in line with the Liquor (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 and the Traditional Beer (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, published on December 19.
“The adjusted trading hours will automatically lapse at the end of the festive season,” the ministry said, adding that normal liquor trading hours will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Under the temporary arrangement, bars, bar-restaurants, liquor depots, club liquor outlets and bottle stores will operate from 10:00am to 6:00am, while bottle stores are restricted to 8:00am to 10:00pm. Discotheques and nightclubs will trade from 5:00pm to 6:00am, while distributor and wholesale liquor licensees will operate from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Temporary liquor licences issued for trade fairs, festivals, picnics and other public activities will also operate from 10:00am to 6:00am. Meanwhile, declared traditional beer outlets, including home brews such as mokuru, khadi, nkumbi, setopoti and ila, will be allowed to trade from 10:00am to midnight.
Temporary liquor licences issued for trade fairs, festivals, picnics and other public activities will also operate from 10:00am to 6:00am. Meanwhile, declared traditional beer outlets, including home brews such as mokuru, khadi, nkumbi, setopoti and ila, will be allowed to trade from 10:00am to midnight.
The ministry stressed that the extended hours apply daily, including Sundays and public holidays, but only within the specified festive period.
Liquor traders have been urged to strictly comply with all other provisions of the Liquor Act and its Regulations, with authorities warning that enforcement will be intensified during the holidays.
The ministry also reminded distributor and wholesale liquor licensees that they are permitted to sell only to licensed liquor traders.
On noise control, the ministry expressed concern over rising complaints of noise and environmental pollution linked to liquor establishments. Operators have been advised to ensure that music is played within licensed premises and at acceptable levels, warning that failure to comply will attract penalties.
The government said the temporary measure is aimed at managing festive season demand while maintaining public order, safety and environmental standards.
