ALI MPHAKI
SHEBEEN owners in Gauteng, tired of heavy-handed police raids, can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to an agreement between the Department of Economic Development and the South African Liquor Traders Association (Salta).
The two have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the department supporting Salta in efforts to address challenges regarding the tactics used by police in raids on shebeens. The conduct of the police during tavern raids has been causing shebeen owners a king-sized hangover for many years.
The new agreement, a culmination of months of negotiations, was signed by Salta president Saint Madlala and Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) head Khulu Radebe at their offices at Matlotlo House in central Joburg on Friday.
“For far too long our members (shebeeners) have been suffering at the hands of unscrupulous police who would not only harass them but also violate their human rights by confiscating their liquor and refrigerators. With the signing of this memorandum, we hope to see an end to those dark days,” said Madlala.
He said that in terms of the memorandum, when police officers raid a shebeen, they must now be accompanied by inspectors from the GDED as well as Salta officials.
He added that the singing of the memorandum with the GDED was a pilot project which could be extended to other provinces.
Radebe, while conceding that the agreement was long overdue, committed his department to supporting Salta with problems arising from liquor licence applications lodged by Salta members in line with the requirements and conditions of the Gauteng Liquor Act.
What’s likely to bring a cheer to hundreds of taverners who have been struggling to obtain licences is that the moratorium on the issuing of liquor licences will be lifted in February.
Radebe explained they were working flat out to address the backlog of applications and that all of this was done to enhance the liquor industry in the province in line with government laws and policies.
Salta has agreed to support the GDED in promoting responsible trading in the liquor industry and encourage traders to operate formalised businesses.
Salta has also agreed to support the department to educate the public on the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse, as well as to promote co-operation among key stakeholders through regular engagements pertaining to liquor regulation in Gauteng. The memorandum is valid with immediate effect.