A joint operation this weekend by the trade and industry department’s (dti) National Liquor Authority (NLA), the Northern Cape Liquor Board (NCLB), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) cracked down on illegal liquor outlets and other outlets found to be non-compliant with their licensing conditions.
Liquor and fridges to the value of R200,000 were confiscated during an inspection blitz in the central business district of Kimberley, Galeshewe, Warrenton and Greenpoint the dti said in a statement.
NCLB compliance, enforcement, and education awareness manager Mpho Bhunu expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the raids, saying it was fundamental for authorities to sustain such operations.
“Fines were issued, some outlets closed, and 40 dangerous weapons discovered when people were searched during the raids in Galeshewe. Six outlets were forced to close because they were trading beyond the hours of trade and two illegal shebeens were permanently shut down,” said Bhunu.
The Northern Cape had seen a lot of alcohol abuse and illegal trading and therefore operations such as this one and co-operation between all levels of government, the private sector, and the society at large were important.
Bhunu said Kimberly was battling with alcohol abuse, under age drinking, illegal trading, public drinking, and violation of licence conditions by those who had liquor licences.
Outlets that did not comply were issued with non-compliance notices and given 14 days to comply with the notices, failing which their licenses would be withdrawn by the liquor board. The operation also inspected seven distribution outlets, all of which complied with the Liquor Act.
NLA chief director Prea Ramdhuny said the operation was intended to create awareness on substance and liquor abuse, conduct liquor enforcement operations in line with national and provincial liquor legislation, and to monitor non-adherence to licence conditions and trading hours.
She was pleased with the results of the operation, but said it was important to sustain such operations.
“We are increasing efforts to eradicate illegal outlets that are destroying our communities with alcohol. The department is working closely with the police and liquor board within the province to address the challenge of alcohol abuse and illegal liquor trading,” Ramdhuny said.
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