Nine liquor outlets found flouting the regulations
THE recent spate of tavern attacks in KZN, resulting in the death of four patrons and serious injury of another eight, prompted the provincial liquor authority to clamp down.
In a blitz-style operation focusing on King Cetshwayo District, the KZN Liquor Authority (KZNLA) last Friday swooped in on nine licensed premises in Empangeni and Richards Bay.
All were found to be in contravention of the Liquor
Act, and two establishments were charged and fined.
“One was charged for selling beyond trading times and fined R2500; the second was charged for effecting structural changes without approval and fined
R2 000," said KZNLA acting communications manager Nomthandazo Dlamini.
"Moreover, seven illegal premises were charged with dealing in liquor without a licence, and cases were opened,” said Dlamini, adding that 485.98 litres of alcohol was seized.
Dlamini said the aforementioned stats are a clear indication of KZNLA's commitment to the mandate of controlling and regulating the sale of liquor within the province.
“We vow to continue to intensify these operations, while also educating liquor licence holders on the importance of adherence to their licence conditions," she said.
"We further call on the public to report any events where liquor is being sold without a
485.98 litres of alcohol seized during blitz operations in King Cetshwayo
permit."
Dlamini said the liquor authority was particularly concerned at the number of illegal outlets mushrooming throughout the province.
Despite this, they are encouraged by the inspectors who diligently conduct compliance inspections in all districts, working with law enforcement in shutting down these illegal outlets.
“We have committed ourselves, and partnered with the liquor
industry and role-players to ensure we not only address the issue of non-compliance but tackle head-on the social ills that emanate from the sale of liquor,” she said.