Premier Zille urges responsible shopping this Black Friday | Western Cape Government

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Premier Zille urges responsible shopping this Black Friday

22 November 2018

Tomorrow’s Black Friday sales call for caution from retailers and consumers alike.

Not only should consumers be weary of overspending, especially on credit, during our economic recession, but in the Western Cape, Premier Zille urges responsible retailing, especially with alcohol, calling on all liquor outlets to remain vigilant in upholding the law and not to sell alcohol to minors.

In the past, we have noticed that Black Friday specials have been abused by unlicensed distributors to resell discounted liquor to liquor outlets, as well as retailers selling alcohol without checking identity documents and breaking the law by selling to youth under the age of 18.

I request again this year that the South African Police Service, City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and the Western Cape Liquor Authority(WCLA) inspectors continue with their routine spot checks to ensure the rule of law is upheld. Last year’s efforts by authorities saw a decline in the number of complaints received.

Retailers are warned that any non-compliance to the law comes with a possible fine of up to R100 000 from the WCLA. 

Last year, an agreement was reached with National Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies to extend the National Liquor Authority (NLA) rights to WCLA inspectors. This agreement is a first in the country and has empowered WCLA inspectors to visit all NLA licence holders (distributors), not only those subject to provincial legislation.

The Western Cape Government has worked extremely hard to help reduce the harms associated with alcohol and the abuse of alcohol in our province through the Alcohol Harms Reduction Game Changer.

Over the past few years, the Black Friday phenomenon has swept through South Africa, with retailers promising that this year will be the biggest in the country to date.

The Western Cape Government aims to promote responsible liquor production, distribution and consumption. Retailers and consumers alike have a responsibility to operate within the confines of the law. Any deviation from, or outright flouting of, the law needs to be reported and will be followed up on.

Complaints can be directed to the Western Cape Liquor Authority telephonically on 021 204 9700 or 021 204 9805.

 

Media Enquiries: 

Ewald Botha
Spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille
079 694 1113
021 483 4584
ewald.botha@westerncape.gov.za