Western Cape Liquor Authority Outlines First Year of Operations | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Liquor Authority Outlines First Year of Operations

4 November 2013

The Western Cape Liquor Authority tabled its first annual report this month, outlining the entity’s first year of operation.

In the 2012/13 financial year, the Western Cape Liquor Authority reached 1 695 residents and traders through awareness campaigns and inspected more than 2 000 premises.

Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, commended the Liquor Authority for taking a pro-active role in informing residents about the dangers of alcohol abuse and leading the drive for compliance amongst legal outlets.

Minister Winde said the Authority had hosted awareness sessions across the province.

Targeted campaigns were conducted in:

  • Malmesbury
  • Phillipi/Nyanga
  • Khayelitsha
  • Eerste River
  • Ashton
  • Robertson
  • Worcestor
  • Bredasdorp
  • Paarl
  • Stellenbosch
  • Plettenberg Bay
  • Kynsna
  • Oudtshoorn
  • George
  • Mossel Bay

In the previous financial year, the Liquor Authority also held 2 306 inspections to ensure licenced outlets were following the province’s liquor laws. The Western Cape has 8 140 licenced outlets.

There were several engagements with these outlets to ensure they were aware of the requirements of the new Liquor Act.

The Liquor Authority also held regular joint operations with SAPS and the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement.

Minister Winde said it should be noted that many of the social ills were being driven by the province’s estimated 25 000 illegal shebeens, and that it was the duty of SAPS to ensure they are shut down.

“In this province there are 300 alcohol-related deaths each month, 80% of all crime is liquor related and we are spending R6 billion a year on liquor-related accidents. There has been a massive drive to educate licenced traders so they are aware of the requirements of the new Liquor Act and what they need to do to become compliant. Those who continue to trade irresponsibly are being rooted out.”

Other key successes of the Liquor Authority in the past year include the reduction of red tape with respect to special events licences and temporary licence applications. The current turnaround time is eight days.

These applications can now be lodged at the Liquor Authority. Previously these would have to be lodged at Magistrate's Courts.

“Since the implementation of the new Liquor Act, we have been determined to address red tape concerns with urgency to ensure that the Act is effective in doing what it set out to do, which is to root out non-compliant liquor traders who are harming our communities,” said Minister Winde.

Media Enquiries: 
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365