Premier Alan Winde urges liquor traders and consumers to be responsible during Black Friday

With Black Friday sales becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, Premier Alan Winde is urging those retailers selling alcohol at discount prices to do so with caution, and those buying it, to act responsibly.

“We know that South Africa’s economy is under pressure and consumers are feeling the pinch, so bargains look very appealing, especially just ahead of the festive season. But I want to encourage liquor retailers to remain compliant with the liquor legislation, and to check Identity Documents to confirm that they are not selling to minors.”

“I also call on the South African Police Service, the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and the Western Cape Liquor Authority’s (WCLA) inspectors to continue with their routine spot checks to ensure the rule of law is upheld. Retailers are warned that any non-compliance to the law comes with a possible fine of up to R110 000 per offence from the WCLA,” Premier Winde said.

“Alcohol plays a major role in incidents of violence in our society, which is why Community Safety Minister Albert Fritz has been tasked with investigating ways to reduce its harms as part of our safety plan. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of women and children, I urge Western Cape residents to use alcohol responsibly, to drink in moderation and to never drink and drive” he said.

“Research has repeatedly shown the correlation between violence and alcohol and substance abuse and we need to ensure that those selling and buying alcohol are doing so with a sense of responsibility,” Premier Winde said.

Data from the Medical Research Council indicates that 67% of domestic violence cases in the Cape Metropole and 76% of cases in rural areas of the South Western Cape were alcohol related. Research by NICRO also indicates that half of male prisoners had consumer alcohol or drugs prior to committing their most recent crime.

The Western Cape Government has worked hard to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and the abuse of alcohol in the province through the Alcohol Harms Reduction Game Changer and the alcohol-related harms reduction policy White Paper.

The province aims to promote responsible liquor production, retail sale, and consumption. Retailers and consumers alike have a responsibility to operate within the prescripts of the law. Any deviation from, or outright flouting of, the law needs to be reported and will be followed up on.

Complaints can be directed to the Western Cape Liquor Authority telephonically on 021 204 9700 or 021 204 9805 or via email: liquor.enquiries@wcla.gov.za

Enqueries:
Bianca Capazorio – Spokesperson for Premier Alan Winde
Tel: 021 488 5004
Cell: 072 372 7044
E-mail: bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za

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