WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) is clamping down on liquor licence holders that violate the liquor laws. 

The authority recently revoked a liquor licence in Khayelitsha and also gave a liquor licence holder in Plettenberg Bay a fine of R150 000. The WCLA regulates the retail sales and micro manufacturing of liquor in the Western Cape and has imposed about 65 fines to transgressing liquor license holders, of which 8 are still pending.

They have had great success in terms of the fines and sanctions imposed on liquor law transgressors. Transgressors seem to not fully comprehend the magnitude of the situation until they receive heavy fines. Consequently, the WCLA has issued fines to a total of R1 312 000. Fines range from R3 000 to R150 000, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

A number of non-compliance matters may lead to fines. Most commonly, licensees that own on-consumption premises sell liquor for off-consumption purposes, failing to ensure the safety of their patrons. Another common offence is selling liquor to under 18s.

The WCLA liquor inspectors, in partnership with the police, will continue to conduct inspections. The WCLA's Compliance and Enforcement Unit files reports on transgressing licence holders to the Liquor Licensing Tribunal (LLT), which is an independent body that considers all the cases and license applications.

If the LLT finds a licensee guilty of irresponsible trading, consequences could include:

• Revoking of a licence;

• Suspension of a licence;

• Conditions could be imposed upon the licence as it deems appropriate;

• The licensee could be ordered to pay a fine.

A set of conditions are issued together with the issue of a liquor licence and licensees should comply with these conditions as well as with the Act. It is therefore accepted that all liquor licence holders are aware of their conditions and they are strongly advised to steer away from breaking the liquor law.

For more information, contact the WCLA on 021 204 9805 / 021 204 9700 / e-mail Liquor.Enquiries@wcla.gov.za.

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