Police meet with liquor traders and shebeen owners

Rabasotho SAPS held its monthly meeting with local liquor traders and shebeen owners at Rabasotho Police Station hall on April 3.

The meeting aimed to educate liquor traders about the conduct of business and warn them about the new regulations of the Gauteng Liquor Act. The community liquor traders were also giving opportunity to raise the problems they encounter while running their business and also ask questions. Managing of sound systems, operating times, discipline and safety were some of the issues raised during the meeting by the police and the Tembisa Community Policing Forum (CPF) leaders.

Capt Mmalebo Solomon Madutung said the liquor permit will expire on November 1 and not be acknowledged by the liquor board of South Africa.

“We urge people to start applying for their liquor licences in time and those who fail to comply with the Gauteng Liquor Act of 2003, the police will take action against them,” said Madutung.

“People have to renew their licences three months before the expiry date. We have workshops monthly at the police station to educate liquor-trading shop owners about compliance,” added Madutung.

Albert Thema, chairperson of Tembisa CPF, said they work with the community to try and identify problems faced by community members and crimes at the taverns.

“We of CPF advise business owners to advise their customers to behave once they have consumed alcohol and advise them on safety tips when walking the streets after drinking late at night.

“For further safety of the people at drinking spots, we have voluntary CPF security officers who conduct searches for weapons. Customers found with weapons will be reported to the police,” explains Thema.

The next meeting will be on May 15 at the Rabasotho Police Station hall. At the meeting, issues like alcohol being sold to children, promoting sensible drinking, managing bad behaviour and promoting responsible advertising and operating hours will be discussed.