No alcohol if wearing school uniform on Youth Day, says Mams organisation
The Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders organisation pleaded with learners not to drink on June 16, but to remember the sacrifices of the youth of 1976.
Anyone selling alcohol to people in school uniforms during this coming Youth Day can be fined, according to a Mamelodi liquor traders organisation.
“Tavern owners can sell alcohol but not to anyone wearing a school uniform – regardless of their age,” said Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders organisation chairperson Oupa Mthombeni.
“Drinking while in a school uniform is illegal.”
Instead, he asked residents to respect school uniforms and celebrate Youth Day (June 16) with dignity.
He was referencing a tradition in which adults wore their school uniform on June 16 to celebrate Youth Day.
“Residents must go home and change into something else before going to taverns and pubs to drink,” said Mthombeni.
He said anyone found drinking while wearing a school uniform would be arrested for public drinking and the tavern owner would be forced to pay a fine.
Mthombeni said the main aim is to discourage learners from drinking while wearing a school uniform, especially with Youth Day coming up.
“Drinking in school uniform sends the wrong message to children.
“The youth of 1976 did not fight and die for people to drink while wearing a school uniform, they fought for a better life for today’s youth,” said Mthombeni.
He said the organisations have partnered with Mamelodi stakeholders and law enforcement in the campaign discoursing tavern owners not to sell alcohol to anyone wearing a school uniform.
“We are not saying people must not drink. Residents [who are of age] can enjoy themselves on the day but just not in a school uniform.”
He pleaded with learners not to drink on June 16, but to remember the sacrifice the youth of 1976 made to earn the right to an environment conducive to learning.
“Some lost their lives for this right,” he said.
He said he hoped their message got around to every tavern and people would respect the day.
He said the association would work with the police to make sure that liquor traders comply with the rules of selling liquor.
“We will conduct our own patrols on Youth Day to make sure that liquor traders don’t allow people in school uniforms into their place of business.”
He invited residents to call the police or the association to report any tavern or pub that allowed people in school uniforms.
“Liquor traders best pass the message on to their customers and tell them they will not sell alcohol to anyone wearing a school uniform or they will be fined.”
He said his organisation wanted to see liquor traders complying with liquor laws without exception.
The law also prohibits the selling of liquor to an underage child or a pregnant woman.
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