A Wynberg establishment has been forced to close its doors after breaking several liquor laws.
The Western Cape Liquor Authority swooped in on Funky Lemon after a series of charges were levelled against the nightclub.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said this was just one of the penalties faced by errant establishments this month.
Funky Lemon lost is licence after selling liquor for off-consumption use, failing to have proper control over the premises and noise disturbances.
Cases finalised this month include:
In addition, the Western Cape High Court yesterday dismissed, with costs, an application by the Mitchells Plain Liquor Traders Association. The association was challenging the constitutionality of sections of the Western Cape Liquor Act.
Minister Winde welcomed the outcomes of the hearings, commending the Western Cape Liquor Authority for their efforts.
“We are sending a clear message that irresponsible trading will not be tolerated, they have devastating impact on the residents of our province. We will use all the powers at our disposal to bring liquor licence holders who contravene the law to book. The Liquor Authority is also ensuring that all of the province’s licence holders know their responsibilities in terms of the Western Cape Liquor Act. To this end, the Authority is hosting education sessions with traders across the province,” said Minister Winde.
The Liquor Authority is responsible for making sure the province’s 8 140 licenced outlets were following the Western Cape’s liquor laws. Over the past few months establishments in Woodstock, Elsies River and Mitchel's Plain have lost their licences.
Illegal shebeens, who are driving the harms associated with alcohol abuse, fall under SAPS.
“It is my hope that the proposed amendments to the Western Cape Liquor Act, specifically the removal of the 150l clause, will clear the way for the SAPS to focus on enforcement at illegal outlets.”
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za