HIGHVELD – Illegal liquor traders were hit hard and had their illegal goods confiscated during an inspection blitz that coincided with raids over the weekend.
A joint-operation comprising the National Liquor Authority (NLA) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Mpumalanga Liquor Board, the South African Police Services and Departments of Environmental Affairs, Basic Education and Health raided liquor outlets that were found to be non-compliant as per their licensing conditions.
This happened during a blitz inspection operation that took place in Secunda and surrounding areas over the weekend.
The operation visited 35 outlets, closed down 14 that were found operating outside their trading hours as per conditions on licence, issued 21 compliance notices and fines to non-compliant license holders.
Illegal and unlicensed liquor traders were shut down and 193.02 litres of liquor were confiscated by officials.
The outlets that were raided in Secunda, eMbalenhle, eMzinoni, Trichardt, Kinross, Evander and Bethal ranged from shebeens to taverns, restaurants and distributors.
According to the chief director of the NLA, Ms Prea Ramdhuny, the inspection blitz was meant to address the increasing number of underage drinking, non-adherence to the licence conditions, violation of trading hours and to enforce compliance among liquor traders.
“Liquor trading that demonstrates a blatant disregard of the Liquor Act and irresponsible trading will be prosecuted.
“Non-compliance relates to the selling of liquor to minors, selling after official trading hours, selling to already intoxicated patrons and pregnant women, and selling of liquor for consumption other than on the licensed premises.
“Trading without a licence is illegal and can not be condoned.
“The Liquor Amendment Bill seeks to address these challenges through a multi-focused approach, which will also place liability on manufacturers to ensure that their product does not find its way to illegal establishments,” said Ms Ramdhunyi.
The senior inspector at the Mpumalanga Liquor Board, Mr Daniel Maseko, said they have been made aware of the mushrooming of illegal taverns in these areas and the increasing levels of alcohol abuse.
He said his office uses targeted interventions such as blitz operations as an opportunity to urge people to take responsibility of their lives by refraining from drinking irresponsibly.
“We encourage all those people who trade illegally, to come to the Liquor Board’s offices and enquire about processes of attaining a liquor license or face
the wrath of the law,” said Mr Maseko.
Three schools, namely Khethelo High School, Kusasalethu High School and Ke Rea Tswane High School were targeted for a liquor abuse education and awareness sessions.
The school searches conducted by Secunda Police resulted in learners being found in possession of dagga and dangerous weapons.
