Over R1 million rand liquor seized from illegal liquor traders
15 December 2010
A Mpumalanga special Task Team set up to evaluate the liquor industry in the province has seized over R1 million alcohol at a Chinese and other liquor outlets around Bethal, Secunda and other areas in Nkangala regions.
The task team comprises of the departments of Safety,
Security and Liaison; Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs;
Corporative Government and Traditional Affairs; the South African Police
Services and the Mpumalanga Provincial Liquor Board.
This is after these departments embarked on a campaign to
audit some of the notorious liquor outlets in the province focusing on general
compliance and the suitability of liquor licenses. During the operations, more
than 40 liquor outlets were visited.
According to Mr. Mzamani Vuma, Senior Manager in the department, some of the challenges they encounter during the raids are that most owners do not appoint managers to run the outlets as required by the liquor legislation. It was also discovered that some licensees operate with other people’s licenses and allow persons under the age of 18 years in their premises.
Vuma said the operation came after the task team was mandated by the Executive Council to raid all liquor traders operating near schools, churches and police stations.
The operator of one of the closed liquor outlets in Bethal, Yinying Weng sued government for confiscating alcohol in her outlet. The matter was heard at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on the 14th December 2010.Weng’s application to have the seized liquor returned to her was dismissed with costs.
The operations by the team resulted in the confiscation of
alcohol to the estimated value of over 1 million from liquor traders who have
been operating without licenses in all the Regions. So far the task team has
visited and raided well over 40 liquor outlets in the three regions and more
outlets will be visited.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison, MEC Vusi Shongwe is appealing to all liquor traders in the province to comply with conditions of their licences or be prepared to face consequences.
He urged them to consult the Liquor Board or the local police when they are not sure about any provisions of the Act or conditions of their licenses.
Shongwe added those operations will continue throughout the festive season and beyond and fines will be meted out against those who are not complying with the law.
He said that as much as the government is concerned about unemployment rate, this cannot be an excuse for people to sell alcohol without approval from the Board.
Shongwe has also appealed to communities to drink
responsibly and report those liquor traders who are not compliant with the law.
Enquiries
Joseph Mabuza
Contacts: (013) 766-4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by Mpumalanga Department for Safety,
Security and Liaison
