According to the department’s spokesperson Dumisa Seshabela, the fines and compliance notices were issued to close to 600 liquor outlets, respectively.

This follows an inspection visit by the department along with health inspectors and police, to more than 6 000 outlets ranging from taverns, restaurants, bottle stores, accommodation and brewers with licences.

Seshabela says they are still facing challenges of compliance with regard to responsible selling and consumption of alcohol, adherence to trading hours and age restrictions, among others.

“There are traders who sell liquor to kids who are under 18 years old and they also let pregnant women buy alcohol. Another challenge is adherence to trading hours and we also find restaurants who sell alcohol without licences. We urge people to trade responsibly and consumers should also drink responsibly.”

OFM News