Liquor traders unite in ‘Against GBV’ awareness campaign
Tavern owners should stop standing behind the counter collecting money, they must start talking to their customers and found out about their challenges and help them.
Liquor traders in Mamelodi and the surrounding areas in Tshwane were encouraged to take a strong stance against gender-based violence.
This was the message of an awareness campaign held at Motima Senabe Lounge in Mamelodi East on Tuesday.
The campaign was hosted by liquor traders in partnership with South African Breweries.
Oupa Mthombeni, the chairperson of the organisation, said tavern owners knew almost 90% of their customers.
“Tavern owners should stop simply standing behind the counter collecting money; they must start talking to their customers and find out about their challenges and help them,” said Mthombeni.
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“GBV is not about women and children only; men also have challenges too – but they are too scared to talk,” he said.
“We must start engaging with our patrons and not only talk about GBV when it is around this time of the year.”
Another issue that the liquor traders were discussing was the issue of abusive customers.
Mthombeni said the fight against GBV affected everyone and sometimes liquor traders are blamed for abusive customers who go home to fight with their partners.
“The victims tend to blame us because they were drinking at our places.
“Therefore, abusive customers must be chased away from our places of business,” said Mthombeni.
Both customers and liquor traders were reminded about the importance of compliance ahead of the festive season.
“They reminded the taverns and pub owners to always adhere to the Covid-19 rules and regulations and were reminded about the significance of compliance when running their businesses,” said Mthombeni.
“Prevention is better than cure and working with other liquor traders in making sure they always adhere to the rules and regulations of Covid-19 will save many lives and prevent the spread of the virus.”
Mthombeni added it was an opportunity for every community to unite in the fight against HIV/Aids, show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have died.
He concluded by encouraging liquor traders to have condoms at their places of businesses at all times and always comply with the liquor act.
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