Moroka police held a meeting at their hall last week with the Liquor Board Against Crime to address problems and concerns of taverns in the Moroka policing area.
This board consists of tavern owners from all seven sectors of in Moroka.
Moroka police ommunications officer, John Serala, said that they were concerned with the amount of robbery, assault and domestic cases being reported because many people hurt each other at these taverns due to alcohol abuse.
Serala said: “Our plea to tavern owners and staff is that they should stop selling alcohol to people who are already drunk.
“They should also look out for suspicious characters as often criminals’ use these venues as hide out places.
“We need owners to come forward if they have information so that we can tell them how to report crime.”
Tavern owners were asked to ban people from their taverns if they know that they could handle their alcohol or if they get abusive when they are drunk as this might help in decreasing cases of abuse and crime.
The board agreed to work with the police in their fight against crime and to be the eyes and ears of the police.
Serala said: “If taverns owners or residents have a problem or if they see any suspects in or around their premises or area, we ask that they call their sector vehicles or the station immediately so they can get help.”
Moroka police warned that they will soon embark on campaigns to look out for unlicensed taverns and those who don’t comply with the law will be dealt with.
