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- Khayelitsha is reportedly experiencing excess trauma-related admissions due to alcohol use.
- Several operations have been carried out in the province between March 27 and December 18.
- Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz says that it is the responsibility of licensees or administrators to ensure that users adhere to Covid-19 protocols.
Investigations into alcoholic beverage vendors allegedly violating the Western Cape Alcoholic Beverage Act (WCLA) and the Disaster Management Act have resulted in the suspension of 51 licenses, the revocation of four and the cancellation of one.
According to the provincial government, 305 investigations were carried out between March 27 and December 18.
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Community Security MEC Albert Fritz said 113 screening operations were carried out over the past week, particularly in Khayelitsha.
The MEC said the operations were aimed at mitigating the harm caused by alcohol, especially as communities like Khayelitsha were experiencing an increase in admissions for alcohol-related trauma.
“In 27 cases, fines were issued in the amount of R2,564 million, of which an amount of R1,382 million was suspended for a period of 24 months provided that the licensee does not contravene the Law and conditions of the license again during this period, “said Fritz.
Of the 51 suspended licenses, 49 section 71 (4) return hearings were held, in which one license was revoked after the completion of a section 20 consideration; 46 were raised by the Liquor Licensing Tribunal (LLT); and two suspensions were lifted, one in the higher court and the other as part of the internal court of appeal proceedings.
Two restitution hearings were pending.
In total, 76 matters related to section 20 of Covid-19 were referred to the LLT, of which:
Operations carried out between December 14 and 20 resulted in 113 inspections, 12 premises were identified in non-compliance and there were two requests for suspension.
Fritz said that with Khayelitsha experiencing a glut of alcohol-related trauma cases and a surge in Covid-19 cases, the WCLA’s work was important because they left no stone unturned and dealt with the transgressors.
The MEC has commended providers that comply with the regulations.
“It is the responsibility of the licensee or authorized facility manager to ensure the safety of customers in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and in accordance with regulations.
“Many facilities have done this successfully by implementing measures such as posting signs regarding Covid-19 security protocols, training staff to actively enforce these protocols, measuring customers’ temperatures. upon entering, preventing crowds and congestion by hiring security guards, stipulating business hours and requesting assistance from SAPS and other law enforcement agencies when necessary, “he said.
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