As Disaster Management Act regulations have been relaxed to allow alcohol sales on Fridays, the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, calls on citizens to be mindful of alcohol-related harms and to act responsibly as we enter the weekend.
Minister Fritz said, “I want to appeal to citizens to remain within the confines of the law this weekend. Please do not engage in any illegal activities. Please trade in and enjoy your liquor responsibly. Our law enforcement agencies, including SAPS, Metro Police, LEAP and the Western Cape Liquor Authority inspectors will all be conducting operations. They will also be ready to respond to complaints from citizens.”
Last week, LEAP Officers conducted 252 inspections at on-site consumption liquor outlets. 8 people were arrested for dealing in liquor. The Western Cape Liquor Authority conducted 209 inspections, of which 63 was focused on underage drinking. 18 non-compliance cases have been submitted for prosecution. 6 license holders were fined, while 1 license was revoked.
Inspections were conducted in Paarl, Franschhoek, Bellville, Cape Town, Hout Bay, Kraainfrontein, Observatory, Constantia, Claremont, Mfuleni, Mowbray, and many other areas. A total of 9 intergrated operations between the WCLA and LEAP Officers and/or SAPS were conducted, in which 70 premises were inspected.
Anyone who witnesses any criminal acts, or who has any other information that will assist SAPS in making arrests, are urged to telephone the SAPS Command Centre at 021 466 0011.
Source: Government of South Africa