WCLA issues nearly R7m in fines to Western Cape liquor outlets

18 February 2024

Industry newsNo Comments

Reprinted from Cape Town etc., by Ilze-Mari van Zyl – 2024-02-15

The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) issued 169 fines amounting to nearly R7 million to licensed liquor outlets across the province between November 2022 and November 2023.

The total number of fines amounted to R6 990 000, of which 49 totalling R2 100 000 were issued to licence holders in the priority areas.

Furthermore, a total of 6 112 inspections were conducted, of which 3 771 (61%) occurred in priority areas. According to the Western Cape Government, 83 non-compliance reports were submitted, of which 50 or nearly 70%, were derived from priority areas.

These notices range from:

• Failing to comply with the conditions of the licence
• Failing to comply with the Western Cape Liquor Act
• Compliance notices

The priority areas include:

• Atlantis
• Bishop Lavis
• Delft
• Khayelitsha
• Kraaifontein
• Mfuleni
• Mitchells Plain
• Nyanga
• Harare
• Gugulethu and Philippi (Hanover Park).
• Across the five district municipalities, the areas include Beaufort West (Central Karoo), George (Garden Route), Witzenberg, (Cape Winelands), Swartland (West Coast) and Theewaterskloof (Overberg) Municipalities.

‘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 [outlets are operating] outside the parameters of the law, further and avoidable acts of lawlessness tend to occur,’ says Reagen Allen, the Western Cape’s MEC of police oversight and community safety.

He adds that during the July to September 2023 period, 16 people were killed, 12 attempted murders were recorded, six alleged rapes were reported and 119 cases of grievous bodily harm occurred 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 our goals.’

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Further reading:

COPS DISCOVER FAKE BOOZE DISTILLERY IN KHAYELITSHA