Liquor forum formed as eSikhaleni community watchdog

WITH reports of many outlets operating without liquor licences and some serving alcohol to underage children, a new Liquor Traders Forum was formed in eSikhaleni last week.

In an effort to curb the problem, the forum will serve as the community watchdog and place alcohol outlets under the microscope.

Its role is to ensure all operations in the area are closely monitored and that traders follow liquor act regulations.

The committee consists of different stakeholders, including tavern and bottle store owners, community members and representatives of the South African Police.

‘Trading hours will be closely monitored, especially in cases where outlets are close to schools,’ said forum member Sgt Nokuthula Mthembu of eSikhawini SAPS.

‘The aim is to work together and safeguard our children and also making sure operations are done by the book.’

Mthembu said in terms of illegal traders, the first step in the regulatory process will be to assist them to acquire trading permits, although ultimately the Liquor Board holds the prerogative to approve or deny applications.

Members of eSikhawini SAPS are in a mission to clean up the township through surprise visits to alcohol trading outlets.

‘We will ensure all confiscated alcohol is destroyed and those who break the law are charged accordingly. With the help of the forum, we will be able to identify them quickly,’ said SAPS spokesperson, Capt Thembinkosi Mkhumane.

‘People need to apply for permits and liquor licences before they open up bottle stores and shebeens.’Wellington Makwakwa

WITH reports of many outlets operating without liquor licences and some serving alcohol to underage children, a new Liquor Traders Forum was formed in eSikhaleni last week.

In an effort to curb the problem, the forum will serve as the community watchdog and place alcohol outlets under the microscope.

Its role is to ensure all operations in the area are closely monitored and that traders follow liquor act regulations.

The committee consists of different stakeholders, including tavern and bottle store owners, community members and representatives of the South African Police.

‘Trading hours will be closely monitored, especially in cases where outlets are close to schools,’ said forum member Sgt Nokuthula Mthembu of eSikhawini SAPS.

‘The aim is to work together and safeguard our children and also making sure operations are done by the book.’

Mthembu said in terms of illegal traders, the first step in the regulatory process will be to assist them to acquire trading permits, although ultimately the Liquor Board holds the prerogative to approve or deny applications.

Members of eSikhawini SAPS are in a mission to clean up the township through surprise visits to alcohol trading outlets.

‘We will ensure all confiscated alcohol is destroyed and those who break the law are charged accordingly. With the help of the forum, we will be able to identify them quickly,’ said SAPS spokesperson, Capt Thembinkosi Mkhumane.

‘People need to apply for permits and liquor licences before they open up bottle stores and shebeens.’

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