A Liquor Trading Compliance and Community Safety Meeting was recently held at Springs SAPS, bringing together key stakeholders to tackle ongoing challenges in the sector.

Springs SAPS Flash commander, Captain Nozipho Mapukata, welcomed attendees and outlined the purpose of the meeting: to address compliance issues, promote responsible liquor trading, and enhance community safety.

Director of Liquor Compliance from the Gauteng Liquor Board, Mbongeni Shabangu, said many liquor licence holders have limited knowledge of their licence conditions and often focus primarily on profit-making.

“It was further highlighted that liquor traders often fail to attend liquor-related meetings, which affects compliance and communication.

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“The process of changing the name of a liquor outlet, as well as the proper appointment of managers, was explained in detail to ensure that all traders understand and comply with regulatory requirements,” Springs police spokesperson, Sergeant Charity Zwane, said.

Mapukata also raised concerns about liquor outlets allegedly owned by foreign nationals who did not attend the meeting, stressing the importance of participation by all stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by representatives from SAPS, the CPF, Springs Taxi Association, ward councillors and about 40 liquor traders.

Key issues discussed included compliance with operating hours, crimes linked to liquor outlets, the prevalence of illegal liquor outlets and the use of hotels for prostitution-related activities.

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