Dar es Salaam local authorities have intensified a crackdown on noisy bars and pubs in the city, where thirteen bars have been shut down since June 22, 2026. This was revealed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by the Kinondoni Mayor.
The bars that have been closed so far include Tips and Polos, located in Mikocheni. Others include Element, Otea Bar, and Big Joe, all located in Msasani, as well as Uncles located in Masaki and Tips located at Coco Beach. Additional closures include Babylon and Kwa Joyce in Mwananyamala, Serengeti Bar and Raphael Kajubili in Makumbusho, as well as Bycass Lounge in Bunju.
“So we have taken these steps deliberately. First, the 1968 law has still not been amended to this day, and it sets conditions on how bar businesses should operate. What time are you supposed to start, and what time should you close?” Kinondoni Mayor Songoro Mnyonge told reporters.
“But they have been violating even the license conditions that require them to conduct this business properly. They have been staying open all night and playing very loud music,” he emphasized.
The crackdown follows a directive from the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, issued on June 15, 2026, when he was speaking to local government officials in Dar es Salaam.
“There are other bars in Kinondoni—deal with those other areas, but I especially want action in Masaki and Oysterbay. Today, ambassadors have submitted complaints to His Excellency the President saying they are not able to sleep,” Chalamila told Dar es Salaam officials.
“Now, if we disturb that ‘sensitive’ area, we are finished. This is a message for Kinondoni, Ilala, Temeke, Buguruni and everywhere: do not concentrate all those activities in places where people sleep. When someone sleeps, they need a fresh mind to rest,” he emphasized.
The Kinondoni Mayor has vowed that the outlets will not be allowed to operate unless they prove in writing that they have complied with licensing requirements.
“And we will visit the outlets with our officers to ensure that the criteria and all the conditions have been met, and only then will we allow them to continue operating their businesses,” Mayor Mnyonge said.
