New liquor licensing system

Rustenburg – In the spirit of Saamtrek-Saamwerk, the Department of Economy and Enterprise Development along with other liquor authorities embarked on a Liquor Month Awareness Campaign at Boitekong Community Hall on Tuesday, 13 February. The campaign was attended by approximately 500 liquor traders from across the district.

The purpose of the awareness campaign is to strengthen the efforts in ensuring that the communities of the Bokone Bophirima Province are educated and empowered on issues relating to liquor legislation and the dangers of alcohol abuse. 

According to the chief director of business regulations, Onnicah Sithole, the campaign focuses on raising awareness of the new liquor licensing management system. Sithole said: “The system is aimed at resolving challenges and provides a comprehensive solution as it comes with extended functionalities.”

Moeketsi Senqhi, chairperson of the liquor board said: “The board welcomes the new system as it will assist in speeding up the process of approving liquor licenses as well as addressing complaints submitted to the board. The system will ease backlogs in license applications, create easy access to records and heightens security in processing applications with greater fraud prevention measures, better accountability and quicker response times for enquiries. This system will be building on industry leading technology which will move away from manually issuing licenses to a digital method.”

Sithole added: “All officials have been trained to assist clients with the entire process of licensing. We urge existing liquor traders to update and verify their information at our offices. With this system we will fast track the applications, manage files and documents efficiently. It is the responsibility of the trader to produce all applicable documentation when submitting applications to ensure a smooth process.”

As a build-up to the campaign, the department in partnership with the police and the Rustenburg Local Municipality (water and electricity unit) conducted operations over the past weekend in an attempt to curb illegal liquor trade and creating awareness of the effects of drug and alcohol abuse as well as ensuring that license holders comply with conditions. 

More than 32 liquor outlets ranging from taverns, bottle stores and restaurants were visited in Boitekong, Tlhabane and the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD). Fines to the value of R15 000 were issued to 15 illegal traders for noncompliance and a further 17 were found to be compliant with the Liquor Act 27 of 1989. 

One arrest was made for the possession of dagga and an illegal electrical connection.
Jones Rampou, warrant officer of the police’s provincial liquor control said: “The operation was a success, this should serve as a warning to those trading liquor illegally that they would be arrested and stand to face the full might of the law.” 

Department of Economy and Enterprise Development press release