A busy festive period saw the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) conducting 816 inspections at licenced liquor outlets and 24 joint operations with other law enforcement agencies between 15 December 2023 and 15 January 2024.
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Having joined some inspections during this period, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen commended the WCLA for their work.
‘I commend the WCLA for the work they are doing. Having joined them during inspections in Delft, Mfuleni, Mitchell’s Plain, Lingelethu West and Plettenberg Bay, it became clear that the Authority seeks to ensure that outlets are fully compliant with all of their licensing prescripts,’ said Allen.
‘It was encouraging to note how firm, decisive and fair the inspectors are, as they sought to ensure that there is very little interruption in the economic activity of the outlets. Regrettably, there are times when certain outlets do not adhere,’ added Allen.
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According to the WCLA:
- 33 compliance notices were issued, which relate to a failure by licensees to display documentation relating to the licence.
- 16 non-compliance reports were submitted for more serious transgressions. Among others, this can lead to stricter licence conditions, suspension or the revocation of a licence being instituted.
Explaining the importance of the inspectors’ interventions, particularly in hotspot areas, Allen explained that ‘The WCLA has a role to play in combatting crimes, by ensuring that licenced liquor outlets trade in a responsible, yet profitable manner’.
According to the second quarter crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year, 16 people were killed, 12 attempted murders occurred, six alleged rapes were reported and 119 grievous bodily harm assault (GBH) cases happened at liquor outlets in the Western Cape.
‘I urge all liquor traders to always comply with the various regulations,’ appealed Allen. ‘This will undoubtedly assist in combatting both the harms and crimes that are associated with liquor, while also providing a platform for the outlets to thrive economically and trade lawfully.’
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Picture: Kyle Wagner / Unsplash