Durban — Tavern and shebeen owners have been warned to get their houses in order, and illegal establishments have been cautioned to cease operating as the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority (KZNLA), in conjunction with law enforcement, continued with unannounced blitz operations.
“The KZNLA will continue to intensify these law enforcement operations throughout the festive season, while also educating liquor licence holders on the importance of adherence to their licence conditions,” said KZNLA acting CEO, Bheki Mbanjwa.
He had been speaking following one of the operations which took place on Wednesday night in the areas of Inanda, KwaMashu, and Ntuzuma.
“We are particularly concerned at the number of illegal outlets that are mushrooming throughout the province, while at the same time we are encouraged by our inspectors who have been diligently conducting compliance inspections in all districts and working with law enforcement in shutting down these illegal outlets,” said Mbanjwa.
He said that during Wednesday night’s operation three alleged illegal outlets were visited.
“One of these was found to be trading and there a bar attendant fled and an arrest couldn’t be affected. This was while the other two were found closed and not operating,” he said.
Mbanjwa said three more licensed premises were visited – however, these were also found closed and not operating or trading that night.
He said that in Ntuzuma one illegal outlet was charged for selling without a licence.
“This was Ekasi Grill and a R1000 fine was issued and alcohol confiscated. Six illegal outlets were visited in the area and they were all shut down during the inspection,” he said.
Mbanjwa said in Inanda four licensed premises were visited and all four were found to be compliant.
“Two illegal outlets were shut down during the visit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Metro Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu encouraged motorists who would be out and about on New Year’s Eve not to drink and drive.
“It is advisable to have a designated driver who will be sober like a judge,” he said.
Zungu said their law enforcement roadblock plans were continuing in all regions. “So be careful do not drink and drive,” he said.
Earlier this month a road safety NGO implored motorists to drive carefully and not to cause death and destruction on South Africa’s roads this festive season. South Africans Against Drunk Driving in its plea also called for “booze-free” roads this festive season.
Daily News