24 April 2006
Shebeen permits issued in terms of the Gauteng Liquor Act will be valid for
an additional 12 months as from 1 May 2006. This was announced today, Monday,
24 April 2006, by the liquor licensing office of the Gauteng Department of
Economic Development. The permits were due to expire at the end of this
month.
Traders who have shebeen permits will, however, have to submit their permits
for verification at their regional liquor licensing offices within three months
as from 1 May 2006.
âWe are glad to announce that the MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng,
Mr Paul Mashatile, has agreed to extend the period of operation of shebeen
permits,â said Kenneth Mapengo, Chief Director Liquor Licensing in Gauteng.
In addition, Mapengo said those who have not yet applied for sheebeen
permits will be allowed to apply as from 1 May 2006 until 31 July this year. He
warned that once this period expires no extensions will be considered.
âWe wish to encourage those who are trading without permits to use this
opportunity to apply for permits at their regional licensing offices,â he
said.
The extension of the period of operation of shebeen permits is expected to
create the necessary environment for the effective regulation of the liquor
industry in Gauteng and by allowing more shebeen owners to apply for permits,
the liquor licensing office expects to bring even more shebeen owners into the
mainstream.
âThe liquor industry is an important industry providing employment and
income to many households. We therefore have a responsibility to ensure that
this industry is effectively regulated and that its economic benefits can be
shared by all,â said Mapengo.
The liquor licensing office was discussing the implications of the extension
with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
For enquiries contact:
Percy Mthimkhulu
Cell: 082 379 1913
Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Gauteng Provincial
Government
24 April 2006
