Liquor traders unite against “pens down” events

Liquor organisations in Tshwane officially launched the annual “No Pens Down and Bottle Up” campaign in Mamelodi on Tuesday.

The campaign is aimed at urging matric learners to think twice before engaging in any pens-down event.

Oupa Mthombeni of Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders Association said they discouraged the events and are illegal.

He said they wanted everyone on board with the campaign – the community at large, liquor traders and parents.

“The learners need to focus on their future and not party just because they have finished writing their examinations.”

He said they were aware there were people, mostly unemployed uncles, buying alcohol for these children at liquor places.

“We are going to open a case against you, should we find you buying alcohol for these children.”

Mthombeni said parents needed to come on board and make sure their children did not engage in any of these activities.

“Parents are the ones who are giving these children money to buy alcohol,” said Mthombeni.

He said parents needed to get the receipts of things these children were buying whenever they give them money.

Mthombeni added that engaging in such activities could lead to many things the matriculants could end up regretting for the rest of their life.

“We don’t want to see anyone engaging in activities they don’t believe in.

Terrible things occur such as rape, teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, missing children and fights, because the matriculants tend to drink liquor on such occasions.”

He also pleaded with liquor traders in Tshwane to work with them and comply with the Liquor Act stipulation of not selling liquor to under-age children.

“Let’s not kill our society by selling liquor to underage children for the sake of making money.”

In the past, post-final matric exam parties have claimed the lives of many young people because of car accidents and violence.

Mthombeni said they would be working with everyone in different communities against these pens down events.

“We will be working together with the police and the Tshwane metro police to make sure the campaign is a success.

“They will be patrolling the taverns, shebeens and pubs to make sure that the liquor traders comply with the law.”

He added that, should they find anyone selling liquor to the future leaders of this country, they would make sure they shut down their place of business.

Mthombeni added that no phuza would be served to customers dressed in school uniform.

He congratulated liquor traders for complying well with the rules, urging them to continue operating according to the Liquor Act.

“South Africa has a challenge of drugs amongst our children and we cannot afford to allow alcohol too to come and destroy the future of these children.”

He said the “No Pens Down and Bottle Up” campaign is an annual event and will be practiced by everyone in the community.

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