One of the suspects will be appearing before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court today after he was discovered to be operating an unlicensed liquor outlet around Bloemspruit. More than 800 liters of alcohol were confiscated from the premises. The Free State Firearm, Liquor and Second Hand Goods Unit (FLASH) acted on a tip-off as part of Operation Fiela. A 35-year-old tavern owner was fined R1300 for supplying liquor, contravening his own liquor license. One other suspect was fined R300 for running an illegal outlet in Batho. According to police’s Peter Kareli, illegal liquor outlets worsen crime in communities as they do not abide by the rules of licensed establishments. 

Kareli said that shebeens usually close up late, which puts intoxicated patrons in danger of violent crimes such as getting robbed, raped or killed. “Others walk in the middle of the street, with oncoming vehicles, and get injured,” added Kareli.

Kareli also pointed out that patrons should ensure that the liquor outlet they frequent is licensed. A failure to do so may result in a fine. Several shebeen patrons were fined after they were found by FLASH at the illegal outlet in Bloemspruit, on Thursday. According to police a business that is licensed to sell alcohol will have a certificate on display. The arrested suspect was charged with operating an unlicensed liquor outlet.

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