Liquor stores operate too close to schools, a cause for concern

The DA stated that they have contacted MEC Panyaza Lesufi regarding the matter.

February 7, 2020

Rivelle Govindsamy 1 minute read

Ward Clr Sinethemba Matiwane shows the City Times Albertina Sisulu Primary School in Kingsway that is situated within a 500m radius from a liquor outlet. The same liquor outlet is across the road from Kingsway Secondary School.

Ward 73 clr Sinethemba Matiwane and the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng are concerned about several liquor outlets operating within 500m of 10 schools in the ward.

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The schools affected are:

• Lee Rand Primary School

• Lee Rand High School

• Willowmoore High School

• St Columba’s School

• Westwood Primary School

• Benoni Educational College

•Albertina Sisulu Primary School

•Kingsway Secondary School

• Kingsway Intermediate School and

• Dalpark Learning Academy

The City Times visited Albertina Sisulu Primary School and Kingsway Secondary School and found a liquor outlet within less than 500m of both schools.

Ward clr Sinethemba Matiwane outside Kingsway Secondary School which is located next to a liquor outlet.

“School children are exposed to alcohol,” stated Matiwane.

“Some of the negative impacts associated with alcohol include domestic violence, robberies and even stabbings.

“If learners are not in school uniform they might be able to buy alcohol undetected.

“These liquor outlets have a negative impact on learning and teaching at these 10 schools,” the DA revealed in a press release.

The DA stated that they have contacted MEC Panyaza Lesufi regarding the matter.

It claims Lesufi has acknowledged their concern and responded saying his department and the liquor board frequently interact regarding the approval of liquor licenses for outlets situated near schools.

“This clearly indicates that the Gauteng Liquor Board is contravening Section 30 (3) of the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003 which states that the Gauteng Liquor Board shall grant an application in the case of premises not situated within a radius of 500 metres in the vicinity of a place of worship and educational institution,” stated the DA.

“We demand that action be taken against those liquor outlets that are contravening Section 30 (3) of the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003.”

The Gauteng Department of Education as well as the EMPD have been contacted for comment.

No comment was received at the time of going to print.