BARBERTON – The acting CEO of the Mpumalanga Liquor Authority, Mr Angelo Sebastian, sent a stern warning to tavern owners who failed to obey the Liquor Act.
“We are going to close down and penalise outlets who are contravening the Act. Liquor should not be sold to persons under the age of 18 and we will be visible throughout the province to ensure that the rules and regulations of the Act are adhered to.
We will close down those who do not complying to the law,” said Sebastian.
He also urged members of the community to report liquor outlets who were not complying with the act to the liquor board. Ïf there is a liquor outlet contravening with liquor act, please contact us, help us so we can help you,” he said.
He was addressing crowds who attended the Youth Month campaign initiated by the dti to create awareness among the country’s young people on the adverse effects of liquor abuse.
Speaker after speaker talked at length about negative behavioural activities related to liquor abuse, such as violence, murder, drunken driving, promiscuity, sexual offences and the spread of HIV/Aids, school truancy, and abuse of children and women.
It was also heard that the Umjindi Local Municipality faced significant challenges in terms of alcohol and dagga abuse among the youth, including primary school children.
Ms Tariro Chikoka, a locally based social worker, mentioned her office was dealing with a number of alcohol abuse cases involving school going children, including primary school learners with the youngest victim being a 12-year-old-boy.
She urged parents to empower their children with good morals. “Parents need to know that what they do affect their children. They have to be good role models as children learn more from their parent’s behaviour,” she said.
Stats from the local police also showed that substance abuse is contributing to contact crimes. “On a weekly basis liquor substances contribute to domestic violence, common assault and GBH,” said Const Tutu Nkosi.
The campaign was also aimed at empowering the youth to participate in the mainstream economy, encouraging them to develop their skills, form cooperatives and start their own businesses other than waiting for the government’s grants. Those looking for help can contact the SANCA offices in Nelspruit on 013-752-4376.
