Illegal alcohol traders warned
According to the director of legal support and prosecutions at the Dti's National Liquor Authority, Adv Sandile Nkosi, the inspection was meant to address the increasing number of underage drinking, non-adherence to the licence conditions, trading hours and to enforce compliance among traders.
MBOMBELA – Taverns and shebeens operating without legal documents or licences will be closed down. This is a stern warning issued by the national and provincial liquor authorities which cracked down on illegal alcohol traders over the weekend during a blitz inspection.
The Department of Trade and Industry (Dti), SAPS, Mpumalanga Liquor Authority and home affairs participated during the crackdown which saw 14 taverns closed down, 24 compliance notices issued and fines to the value of R31 500 issued to non-compliant licence holders. The outlets ranged from taverns, restaurants and distributors to manufacturers, which were raided within the eMalahleni and Mhluzi areas.
According to the director of legal support and prosecutions at the Dti’s National Liquor Authority, Adv Sandile Nkosi, the inspection was meant to address the increasing number of underage drinking, non-adherence to the licence conditions, trading hours and to enforce compliance among traders.
Mr Elijah Mamba, the provincial manager for compliance at Mpumalanga Liquor Authority indicated that most outlets were closed down due to their failure to adhere to their licencing conditions. “In terms of Sections 45 (1) of the Mpumalanga Liquor Licencing Act 2006, if the licence holder is a company, the company needs to appoint a manager which is a natural person in a prescribed manner and form. We are enforcing and educating at the same time.”
