Pretoria - Gauteng province is to clamp down on all shebeens, taverns, pubs and other liquor traders who are violating the law by, among other things, selling alcohol to underage consumers.
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Qedani Mahlangu announced on Tuesday that her department would be reviewing all liquor licenses and permits in the province.
Asked about steps to be taken against those found violating the law, Mahlangu said: "It's non-negotiable. Those shebeens or taverns selling alcohol to underage kids and pregnant women would be shut down."
As part of efforts to control unlimited access to alcohol, Mahlangu said the province would try to discourage liquor sales on Sundays and religious holidays.
This is intended to apply only to retail liquor on these days. However, this will not affect restaurants, pubs, taverns and hotels, where patrons sit in.
Addressing the media in Johannesburg, Mahlangu said her department had embarked on a process to review all liquor permits and licences.
She expressed concern about crimes influenced by alcohol. "I believe that all South Africans deserve better treatment," she said.
As part of cleaning the liquor industry in the province, Mahlangu said her department would employ more people to assist with regulation matters. Some will assist with processing of licenses, while others will be employed to monitor adherence to liquor laws.
Mahlangu admitted that her department was facing challenges of not being able to process new licenses on time.
She said the cleaning of the liquor industry would start in her department by getting rid of those officials who are colluding with the shebeen owners by issuing them with licenses without checking whether they qualify or not.
"Inspectors must visit premises to ensure that applicants do meet the requirements," she said.
According to the law, no shebeen or tavern should be near schools or churches.
