Liquor traders in Alex want to start a more structured social responsibility initiative to broaden and deepen their impact on society.
This they hope will also help to change the prevailing negative image of their establishments as places of vice and crime.
This was said by members of the liquor traders association at the Alex Police Station at their monthly meeting which focuses on consolidating relationships with the police.
The traders, comprising bottle stores, tavern and shebeen owners often fall foul of the law, get into conflict with the police who are forced to raid or close their business for trading in illicit items and operating outside prescribed hours. Others are said to be places for criminals planning crimes while some are said to operate without licences. Police reports indicate that some murder and rape victims are waylaid by criminals when leaving these outlets.
Police spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang said the meetings were to develop and consolidate a positive working relationship and encourage the traders to operate within the law. He told the traders to work within prescribed hours, be registered, welcome the police into their premises to search and report police officers who ask for bribes.
“Law enforcement is also in your interest and protects you from crime,” Kodisang said while condemning traders’ premises that were no-go areas, feared by the surrounding residents and traders who let their customers block roads making it also difficult for them to receive deliveries. Others he said turn a blind eye when their customers throw objects at police vehicles on patrol.
The liquor traders association’s chairperson Lockza Mhlanga said they wanted to start various initiatives such as supporting old age and children’s homes, and providing educational needs of poor children.
Development workers at the meeting encouraged the traders to complement established programmes of care workers. They urged them to contribute sanitary pads to schoolgirls, help clean and cook for the elderly and accompany them to clinics.
Government officials said the initiative would be supported throughout the city, provincial government and also the Sab’s social relief programmes. They urged the traders to lead in implementing the initiative and not only talk about their plans.
Details: Lockza Mhlanga 082 676 7278
Read: Department of Trade and Industry quashes rumours of new liquor laws
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