Minister Fritz welcomes training of LEAP to address liquor complaints

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, welcomes the additional training provided to Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) law enforcement officers appointed through the Western Cape Safety Plan, to attend to liquor related complaints. Minister Fritz further welcomes the 82 investigations conducted by the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA), leading to the suspension of 34 liquor licenses.

To date, 90 LEAP officers have received additional training. The additional training will see approximately 150 LEAP officers trained. Their deployment will initially be assisted by the City of Cape Town’s liquor enforcement unit which is responsible for inspecting licensed and unlicensed liquor premises. Where licensed premises are in contravention of the law, this will be referred to the WCLA. The unit further investigates complaints regarding trading hours.

Minister Fritz said, “The deployment of LEAP officers to address liquor related complaints is being piloted in Delft which has a high prevalence of substance dependence and illegal shebeens. The training of LEAP officers began on 22 June 2020. Between 29 June and 5 July, LEAP officers have made 2 arrests of persons trading without a license and 4 confiscations. I welcome the training of these officers as it will increase compliance with the relevant by-laws and legislation, ultimately reducing alcohol related harms.”

The training of the LEAP officers requires that they report each morning to the liquor unit in Brackenfell where they spend 2 hours on theoretical work. Thereafter, they conduct fieldwork to gain work experience.

Minister Fritz added, “I welcome the WCLA’s invaluable work in addressing alcohol related harms by providing the necessary training to LEAP officers. The training of additional LEAP officers to respond to liquor related complaints will assist the WCLA in attending to a larger number of complaints and ensuring civil compliance.”

The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said, “Thus far, 90 LEAP members have been trained to effectively carry out liquor related operations which will benefit the communities that the officers work in since it will crack down on the illegal sale of alcohol and hopefully make a meaningful dent in reducing the number of liquor related incidents such as drunk driving and domestic abuse.”

Please see English audio clip here: https://clyp.it/ddf5hpev