Zero tolerance to alcohol and substance abuse especially amongst young people
The North West Department of Economy and Enterprise Development in partnership with South African Police Service(SAPS)started its integrated Liquor month programme by conducting workshop, roadshows and compliance inspections during the past week as part of its liquor month activities. The programme is aimed at raising awareness on the harmful effects of alcohol abuse and further promotes responsible trading within the North West Province.
Liquor traders were educated about the new North West Licensing Act and the implementation of the new North West Liquor Licensing Management System which has been developed to facilitate and simplify the licensing process, as well as the negative impact of alcohol abuse.
The North West Liquor Licensing Act has been aligned to the national norms and standardsof harmonizing common areas affecting the liquor industry which includes trading hours, distance between liquor outlets, churches & schools and reduction of alcohol abuse especially amongst pregnant women and young people. Furthermore, the norms and standards came up with uniform standards on the implementation of liquor laws by various enforcement authorities as these will ensure consistency in the application of liquor legislation throughout the country.
During the inspections the team which comprises of the Departmental inspectors, SAPS and Matlosana Community Police Forum visited approximately 50 outlets within Madibeng and Matlosana Local municipalities in which fines amounting to R55 500 were issued to those that were in contravention with the Liquor Act 27 of 1989.
The contraventions registered included the selling of alcohol to underage kids, trading beyond stipulated time, leasing premises without proper documentation and operating on filthy premises. One young person was apprehended for being in possession of drugs.
The Department has improved its relationship with other stakeholders as the Community Police Forum(CPF) responded to the call of reducing the rate of alcohol abuse especially amongst young people.
“We are pleased to work closely with the Department by offering advice on proactive and problem-solving approach to crime and violence. As a resident, I urged all communities to establish these forums and participate effectively to fight criminal activities within the areas of their locality, said Mr Heine Raatj, Chairperson, MatlosanaCommunity Police Forum.
On the other hand Liquor Regulation Director, Ms KhumoToana highlighted that the Department is concernedat the rate in which young people are abusing alcohol and end up performing illegal activities.
“This is as a result of liquor traders who are concentrated in making profit whilst on the other hand they kill our future leaders. By conducting these inspections we want to instil culture of trading responsibly especially in our townships. We will continue to engage other community structures to intensify awareness campaigns by encouraging liquor traders and community at large to work together with government in ensuring that the industry contributes towards increasing the revenue of the province which will result in job creation initiatives,” said Taoana.
The provincial celebration is set to take place on the 28th February 2019 at Madiba Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, at 09H00 under the theme “Liquor Licensing in the digital age.”
Amongst speakers for the day will be MEC MmaphefoMatsemela whose key-note address will focus on issues mechanisms that the province has put in place to improve the liquor industry.Lastly, there will be presentations from various stakeholders like Department of Trade and Industry, Social Development, Health and an individual who benefitted from rehabilitation programme by SANPARKS.
Members of the media are invited.
Please confirm attendance with:
SeloaneSeleka
Tel: 018 387 7871
E-mail: monaisas@nwpg.gov.za
Keorapetse Mosipidion
Tel: 018 387 7798
E-mail: kmosipidi@nwpg.gov.za
Enquiries
Dumisa Seshabela
Cell: 079 522 7375
Tel: 018 387 7860
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
