The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the dtic) National Liquor Authority (NLA), in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) will launch a liquor awareness and enforcement campaign to promote compliance with liquor trade laws and responsible drinking practices at an event that will be held in Mgezwa Village, Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape on 28 September 2022.
The National Liquor Authority was established in terms of the Liquor Act of 2003 with jurisdiction throughout South Africa. The entity is responsible for regulating the macro manufacturing and distribution tiers of the liquor industry by registering macro manufacturers and distributors of liquor to trade.
According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, this campaign is designed to address the rampant abuse of liquor that has been witnessed recently, especially by minors. Such early age consumption is most likely to lead to binge drinking and other risky behaviour. The campaign also seeks to remind liquor traders to trade within the confines of the liquor aws and regulations that govern their businesses.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics of 2012 ranked South Africa as the 19th biggest drinking nation globally and presently, we are 6th highest consumers of liquor in the world. In Africa, we are ranked third behind Nigeria and eSwatini, respectively. That is a situaiton that we cannot embrace and be proud of as a South Africans because it casts very negative aspersions on us as a nation. We must ensure that we tackle the dangers of liquor abuse and irresponsible trade as a matter of national urgency,” says Gina.
She adds that the campaign will comprise compliance inspections at registered liquor outlets and community activism towards reporting illegal trading and mandatory conditions.
“This campaign will be launched in the Eastern Cape and will be extended to three more provinces, namely Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. Build-up sessions to disseminate information will be hosted in partnership with three other provincial liquor authorities and key stakeholders,” says Gina.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: 012 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
