The Western Cape Liquor Authority this month kicked off a series of information sessions with shebeen owners across the province.
Unlicensed outlets are the responsibility of SAPS but the Authority wants to ensure that owners understand the process required to legalise their outlets.
The Authority met with unlicensed shebeen owners in Masiphumelele to explain the process of obtaining a liquor licence, and becoming responsible traders operating within the law.
In addition, they outlined other economic opportunities, including starting an enterprise or co-operative.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said the sessions were promoting new entrants into the liquor industry and raising awareness around the dangers of irresponsible trading and alcohol abuse.
“There are more than 20 000 illegal shebeens in the province. Although these establishments are the responsibility of SAPS, we need to start tackling this problem and getting these outlets into the regulated space. We want to see outlets moving out the residential areas, establishments must move to commercial nodes along high streets. When we draft liquor laws, we always have to take into the account the negative and positive economy of the alcohol industry. Liquor establishments provide a space for entrepreneurs to forge a living for themselves and create job opportunities for others.
“However, alcohol abuse is tearing our society apart. While our Safely Home project has reduced our annual road death toll by 30.1 per cent, there were still 1226 road deaths in the Western Cape in 2013. In 65% of these cases, alcohol levels above the legal limit were detected.”
Minister Winde said several studies have established a link between violent crime, fatal accidents and alcohol abuse.
“Our own High-Five project included a study of injuries at trauma units in Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Elsies River. The results showed that alcohol use was reported or suspected in over half (53.2%) of all violent injuries. These harms are being driven by irresponsible traders. The Authority’s sessions provide an excellent opportunity for us to assist traders in becoming responsible,” said Minister Winde.
Minister Winde said all residents should be involved in eradicating alcohol abuse.
“It is not only for government to take on the responsibility of the negative economy of alcohol. We need traders and residents to be responsible. This is why we raising awareness and building partnerships with communities,” said Minister Winde.
Kindly find the liquor licence application handbook attached.
ENDS
For media queries, contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Ministry of Economic Opportunities
Western Cape Government
2nd Floor
Protea Assurance Building
Green Market Square
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
