Media Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube
As I indicated last week Thursday, 22 October, compliance inspectors from the KZN Liquor Authority, together with law enforcement agencies, are continuing with unannounced visits to various liquor traders. We want to ensure compliance and adherence with the Disaster Management Act and the KZN Liquor Act - Act 06 of 2010.
Importantly, we reiterate as the department that the COVID-19 regulations are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers, liquor traders and the people of this province as a whole.
This past weekend alone, compliance inspectors and law enforcement agencies visited 9 licensed premises in various parts of the province.
Monate Tavern in Vryheid has been fined R5000 for trading in the wee hours of Sunday morning. In line with the laws of the country, the owner of Monate Tavern will be served with a notice of suspension of the liquor licence by the KZN Liquor Authority. He is required to make a representation within 14 days.
In addition, compliance officers and law enforcement agencies charged and fined about 8 liquor licence holders for selling takeaways in contravention of the Disaster Management Act.
As I stated last week, 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.
Our records show that over the past four months, more than 2000 liquor traders across the province have been visited during business inspection, compliance and enforcement.
We have expressed our concern that since the country moved to Level 1, our compliance inspectors have 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:-
- Ematsheni, Uthukela District;
- Osizweni, Amajuba District;
- Newlands East, eThekwini District;
- Umhlanga, eThekwini District;
- 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.
We wish to express out gratitude to the majority of the 8000 liquor license holders who are complying with COVID-19 regulations.
NB: 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:-
Email: 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
