Illegal liquor outlets operators to face the law

The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) in partnership with law enforcement officers from 36 different Police Stations over the weekend raided 405 liquor outlets in the province.
It was learnt that during the operation 131 fines were issued to liquor licence holders found to be in contravention of the liquor licence laws and are expected to appear before courts of law in April. Departmental spokesperson Zaid Kalla indicated that the raids were a normal compliance and enforcement operation by the department to ensure liquor licence compliance.
He listed the common offences found during the raids as consumption of alcoholic beverages outside the licenced premises, changes to the licenced structure without approval from the Liquor Board, outlets registered as liquor restaurants but not selling food, and failure to display or avail licence on request, non-adherence to trade-hours and illegally operating liquor businesses among others.
Kalla repeated that the department warns all liquor licence holders to strictly adhere to the rules and accommodate a disciplined and rational crowd. Liquor licence holders or taverns are warned to close shop on time in line with their licence, he stated. Kalla concluded by saying the department further encourages members of the society to report any ill operating taverns at their nearest Police station.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za