By Correspondent
Running a lodge has become a lucrative business in most urban areas.
However, not much is known about the laws around the business.
Below is the list of Masvingo City Council conditions for individuals and companies wishing to operate lodges in the city.
i. The stand shall be used as a lodge only.
ii. That the lodge shall not be used as a wedding venue, host parties or host any other activities that generates excessive traffic or noise or whose land requirements exceed the size of the stand.
Activities at the lodge shall not inconvenience the neighbourhood in any way.
iii. The applicant shall obtain an operating license from council upon fulfilment of Council Health By-laws, Fire By- laws and the requirements of the Minister responsible for Tourism.
iv. Any alteration to the existing building plan shall be approved by the Director Engineering Services before the commencement of works.
v. The applicant shall install directional signage to a standard approved by Council.
Authority to erect such signage shall be sought from Council.
Operating Laws
vi. The applicant shall provide onsite parking and shall always ensure that visitors to the lodge park their vehicles within the premises at all times.
vii. No liquor selling shall be permitted within the premises.
viii. The applicant shall provide user friendly facilities for guests with disabilities.
ix. The lodge shall run at Council’s discretion and Council reserves the right to withdraw this permit should the lodge become a nuisance in any way.
Council shall issue a one month notice to cease operations should there be any violations to the conditions of this permit and Council shall not be liable to compensate the applicant in any form.
x. The lodge shall at all-times conform to be requirements of the Chief Environmental Health Officer, the Director Engineering Services and Minister responsible for Tourism.
xi. The property shall pay commercial rates consistent with the approved new status.
xii. Council through its officers shall have access to the stand to carry out relevant inspection at all reasonable times.
