Lifting the ban on the sale of liquor was welcomed by scores of South Africans and liquor outlets. However, it seems there are certain liquor outlets which are not adhering to the stipulated regulations.
According to MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the sale of expired liquor and mixers is one of the common areas of contraventions that has been picked up by inspectors.
A total of 747 licensed premises have been inspected over the past week. During these inspections, 10 liquor outlets being shut down.
Despite this, Dube-Ncube says the attitude of traders is generally positive and cooperative towards the inspectors from the KZN Liquor Authority, SAPS and other law enforcement agencies.
Read more: KZN Liquor Authority inspects local liquor stores, ensuring they comply with regulations
Further inspections in KZN are expected to be conducted during the course of the week.
“As indicated during the week, our entity – the KZN Liquor Authority is empowered to recommend the suspension of the liquor license until the end of lockdown or for three months,” Dube-Ncube emphasises.
The 10 liquor outlets in question, have been shut down on the basis of enough evidence pointing out the violation of the COVID-19 regulations.
Dube-Ncube says it should be emphasized, that inspectors will continue to act firmly. Especially if there is evidence indicating the violation of the sale of liquor in terms of the KZN Liquor Licensing Act.
Below are common areas of contravention:
- Failure to close according to trading times.
- Sale of expired liquor.
- The failure to screen employees.
- Failure to sanitize patrons’ hands.
- Failure to ensure social distancing between patrons.
With 8000 liquor licence holders, Dube-Ncube says the department remains grateful to the majority of liquor traders. This is because the bulk of these licence holders are complying with the stipulated regulations.
“We reiterate, as the department, that these regulations are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers, liquor traders and the people of this province as a whole.”
A team of experienced officials from the department are on standby to investigate complaints regarding violation of Business Regulations. Contact details are as follows:
Email: Consumer.Complaints @kznedtea.gov.za
WhatsApp: 082 458 0706 or 082 374 6660
