A local liquor trader association has called for the ‘naming and shaming’ of customers who abused their partners.
Oupa Mthomben, president of Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders, said victims of gender-based violence should report abusive partners to the police and the places where they drank.
This came after the organisation said alcohol abuse was the main cause of gender-based violence. Mthombeni said the body was planning to march to local police stations to raise their concerns and as well as to help fight abuse.
He said the association held a successful campaign last week to check whether wholesalers and liquor licence holders were adhering to Covid-19 rules and regulations.
“The wholesalers and liquor traders were found to be adhering to regulations,” said Mthombeni.
This came after they visited Big Save wholesaler, Makro, Meyerspark Ultra Liquor and Johnny’s liquor hypermarket.
Mthombeni said they discussed with wholesalers to sell bulk liquor only to those who had liquor licences and permits to operate during level 3. He said the aim of the visits was to stop panic buying and to reduce alcohol abuse.
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Mthombeni said once individuals were reported for abusive behaviour, steps would be taken to bar them from liquor outlets.
“Liquor traders must tell drunk customers to go home and refuse to serve them,” said Mthombeni.
He said there was an increase in alcohol abuse since level 3, especially in the far east of Mamelodi and they were planning to have a meeting with the police to patrol identified areas.
“We promised we would comply with Covid-19 rules and regulations aimed at ensuring that people are safe. Government rules such as social distancing, wearing of masks, etc., should be adhered to,” said Mthombeni.
“People are urged to drink responsibly and not be seen on the streets drinking, as they would be arrested. Also, people should use plastic bags to carry alcohol after purchase. Alcohol may only be sold from Mondays to Thursdays between 09:00 to 17:00.”
“Those caught breaking the rules will have their licences to trade suspended for six months,” he said.
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