A zero-tolerance stance against liquor traders who do not follow trading laws this festive season has been launched.

The MEC for economic development and tourism, Jesta Sidell, said the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) and the police will tirelessly enforce trade and licensing laws that tavern owners must adhere to.

Failure to comply will lead to forced closure.

Sidell said this during the launch of the 2025/26 Festive Season Campaign, themed ‘Responsible drinking and compliance is everybody’s business’, at the Mpopoli community hall in KaBokweni on Friday, December 5.

She said the KaBokweni road is lined with taverns from Dwaleni to Chweni. “We want to curb the number of accidents and traffic congestion caused by patrons attending these venues, especially at night,” said Sidell.

“We want liquor traders to be strict about not selling alcohol to children and stop the sale of fake alcohol, which is usually cheap, unbranded, and often includes illegal concoctions such as injaspid.”

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She suggested that a halt to liquor license registrations would enable governmetn to better manage current venues and ensure adequate law enforcement.
“A growing economy means taking responsible decisions. We have too many taverns already, especially in Nsikazi,” she explained.

Sidell said some have been established next to schools and churches, making them easily accessible to children, while others have become gender-based violence hotspots.
Tavern owners are urged to secure their properties, have proper working bathrooms, have multiple entrances and exits, have fire extinguishers, adhere to closing times and comply with license regulations.

The CEO of the MER, Vusi Mtsweni, urged responsible alcohol consumption and avoiding drunkenness.

“If you cannot control your drinking habits or you are affected by alcoholism, help is available through the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence,” Mtsweni said.

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The campaign was supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the City of Mbombela, the provincial security cluster and the Department of Social Development.