WCLA Issue Fines To Liquor Outlets Amounting To Just Under R7 Million

Between 1 November 2022 and 24 November 2023, the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) issued 169 fines to licensed liquor outlets across the province, amounting to R 6 990 000. Forty-nine (49) of these fines totaling R 2 100 000 were issued to licence holders in the priority areas.

Simultaneously in the same period a total of 6 112 inspections were conducted across the province where 3 771 (61%) inspections occurred in the priority areas. A total of 83 non-compliance reports were submitted of which 58 or nearly 70% emanated from the priority areas. These notices range from:

• Failing to comply with the conditions of their licence;
• Failing to comply with the Western Cape Liquor Act; or
• a compliance notice.

Priority areas in the Metro, and where the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers are also deployed, are Atlantis, Bishop Lavis, Delft, Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Harare, Gugulethu and Philippi (Hanover Park). Across the five district municipalities the areas are Beaufort West (Central Karoo), George (Garden Route), Witzenberg, (Cape Winelands), Swartland (West Coast) and Theewaterskloof (Overberg) Municipalities.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “The continued work of the WCLA is critical to combat the harms associated with the abuse of alcohol. I am encouraged by the operations of the inspectors, as we have seen where there are outlets operating outside the parameters of the law, further and avoidable acts of lawlessness tend to occur. The second quarter, July to September 2023 crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year, indicate that in the Western Cape, 16 people were killed, 12 attempted murders occurred, 6 alleged rapes were reported and 119 grievous bodily harm assault (GBH) cases happened at liquor outlets.”

“It is deeply concerning to note that the majority of the non-compliance reports come from priority areas. I encourage the inspectors to maintain their level of scrutiny, as this will assist in combatting crime that might be linked to the misuse of liquor. Furthermore, I urge liquor traders to adhere to and comply with their licensing conditions, as this will ensure that they remain profitable, continue to create jobs,and not contribute to any criminal activity. We all have a role to play in creating safer communities and we urge businesses to work with us to reach out goals,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.