Coronavirus Update: Forensic investigations into 6 fraudulent liquor licenses and campaign for responsible drinking.
Durban: We wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal and 8000 liquor license holders that our entity, the KZN Liquor Authority will continue to ensure compliance and adherence with the Disaster Management Regulations and the KZN Liquor Act, Act 06 of 2010.
We reiterate as the department that these regulations are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers, liquor traders and the people of this province as a whole
Over the past four months, more than 2000 liquor traders across the province have been visited during business inspection, compliance and enforcement.
Importantly, we wish to report that since the country moved to Level 1, our compliance inspectors working with law enforcement agencies discovered six (6) fraudulent liquor licenses and fraudulent confirmations of payment receipts.
These were discovered in fully operational liquor outlets - one being a popular outlet in Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga. The fraudulent licences have been discovered in the following areas listed below :-
1. Ematsheni, Uthukela District
2. Osizweni, Amajuba District
3. Newlands East, eThekwini District
4. Umhlanga, eThekwini District;
5. Umlazi township, eThekwini District ( x 2)
We remain concerned with at the number of fraudulent licences mushrooming. It is for these reasons that our entity, the KZN Liquor Authority has appointed a Forensic Investigator to probe these cases and liaise with law enforcement authorities.
We are confident that the main culprits involved in this racket will be will be punished severely. This will serve as a lesson to aspiring fraudsters and dubious liquor traders.
As directed by the meeting of the provincial executive council, Chaired by Premier Sihle Zikalala, our inspectors will continue to make unannounced visits throughout the corners of the province.
I wish to reiterate once again that where any licence holder is found to have violated any of the provisions contained in the regulations or the sale of liquor in terms of the KZN Liquor Licensing Act, the KZN liquor authority will recommend the suspension of the license until the end of lockdown or for three months.
Notwithstanding challenges associated with the sale of alcohol during this period, the rate of compliance with COVID-19 regulations is improving daily.
NB: In this province there are 8000 liquor license holders. For further information, liquor traders must contact 031 – 302 0628 or 081033 0831. The CEO Mr Bheki Radebe and his capable team are committed to serve you.
A team of experienced officials from the department are on standby to investigate complaints regarding violation of Business Regulations. Contact details are as follows:-
E-mail: Consumer.Complaints @kznedtea.gov.za
WhatsApp : 082 458 0706 or 082 374 6660
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113
