Close to 50 liquor outlets non-complaint as WCLA conducts inspections

As South Africans celebrate National Beer Day on Saturday, the Western Cape’s Liquor Authority (WCLA) pleaded with liquor outlets to be complaint.

South African National Beer Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in February. This day is supported by the Beer Association of South Africa, which aims to not just enjoy the cold beverage, but also engage in educational sessions

The inaugural #SANBeerDay in 2017 saw more than 50 events and promotions staged across the country.

The WCLA conduct more than 800 inspections between 15 December 2023 and 15 January 2024, and of these, 50 were found to be flouting the law.

Thirty-three compliance notices were issued, as they did not display documentation relating to the licence, while 16 non-compliance reports were submitted for more serious transgressions.

PHOTO: WCLA

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, says those who obtained new licences must be inspected within three months of their licence being issued.

‘’The interventions by the inspectors are very important, particularly in our hotspot areas. The second quarter crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year, indicate that in the Western Cape, 16 people were killed, 12 attempted murders occurred, 6 alleged rapes were reported and 119 grievous bodily harm assault (GBH) cases happened at liquor outlets. The WCLA has a role to play in combatting crimes, by ensuring that licenced liquor outlets trade in a responsible, yet profitable manner.’’

Allen urged all liquor traders to always comply with the various regulations.

‘’This will undoubtedly assist in combatting both the harms and crimes that are associated with liquor, while also providing a platform for the outlets to thrive economically and trade lawfully,’’ said Reagen Allen, Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

 

Done by: Mitchum George