Motorists are encouraged to start using e-hailing rides when going out to nightclubs, bars or for drinks.

Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders (CTLT) held an awareness campaign against underage drinking and drinking and driving on Tuesday.

Oupa Mthombeni, president of CTLT, said: “The safety of our customers comes first, and to do that, we as liquor traders must lead by example.”

Mthombeni started with the issue of drunk driving, saying motorists must always think about their safety and the safety of other motorists, and advised them to book e-hailing rides when they are drunk.

“The awareness campaign was all about complying with the Liquor Act, as well as reminding and educating liquor traders about the importance of complying and taking care of customers,” said Mthombeni.

He added that the issue of underage drinking is a very serious one and that they have received many complaints from parents about children drinking alcohol.

He said that parents claim that when their children are drunk, they misbehave and don’t sleep at home.

“The message goes to everyone, including parents, liquor traders and car wash owners. We all need to be responsible by taking part in the fight against underage drinking.

“Parents and relatives must stop sending their children to buy them alcohol,” he advised.
“Secondly, liquor shop owners must not allow underage children at their place of business. Thirdly, car wash owners must chase away small children who come to drink at their car washes with older people who buy them alcohol.”

The organisation said the campaign is working with law enforcement and other organisations that deal with drug and substance abuse.

Mthombeni said underage children who drink are mostly learners, and they need to start focusing on their futures.

“Terrible things occur during these [events], such as rape resulting in teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, missing children, and fights.”

Mthombeni said they also wanted to encourage tavern owners not to sell alcohol to drunk people or pregnant women.

He encouraged liquor traders to always have signs about underage drinking and ‘don’t drink and drive’ notice boards in their businesses.

He added that customers listen to traders when they tell them they have had enough to drink.

Lucky Ntimane from the National Liquor Traders Association said, “We need to start asking for ID documents to make sure that we don’t sell alcohol to underage children.”

Ntimane said car washes are also a great concern, because that is where these children drink alcohol most.

Jolene Henn, Head of Social Responsibility at Heineken Beverages, said, “We are so much more than an alcohol company. We want to make sure that every consumer who chooses to consume alcohol must do so responsibly.

“Our message is very clear: We promote moderation.

“Underage drinking is a big no for us, getting behind a wheel drunk is a big no-no, and lastly, no alcohol for pregnant women.”

Liquor trader Peter Matlotlane encouraged his colleagues to start leading by example and always comply with the Liquor Act.

Matlotlane said the awareness campaign was very fruitful, concluding that the awareness campaign is ongoing, and they want to spread the message to all liquor traders in the Tshwane region.

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