Shebeens

Two shebeens raided for operating without a license in Ekurhuleni. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook.

Unlicensed shebeens selling liquor to school kids raided

A number of unlicensed shebeens selling liquor to underage school children were raided and shut down in Gauteng.

Shebeens

Two shebeens raided for operating without a license in Ekurhuleni. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook.

A number of unlicensed shebeens selling liquor to underage school children were raided and shut down by police in Ekurhuleni this week.

UNLICENSED AND PROBLEMATIC SHEBEENS DEALT WITH

In a statement, Rabie Ridge police spokesperson Sergeant J Nhlongo said on Thursday, 23 February 2023 at about 12H00, the station had a liquor operation which was led by Liquor officer Warrant Officer PM Makuwa together with sector managers.

“The focus was on illegal shebeens and legal ones which are not complying in terms of liquor act,” he said.

SHOCK AS ALCOHOL IS BEING SOLD TO LEARNERS


The operation uncovered some horrifying shenanigans being done by shebeen owners.

Sergeant Nhlongo revealed that some alcohol stores are selling booze to school kids.

“Moreover, some do not close on time and some do not monitor their clients as a result homeowners or people residing around them they suffer because they block their gates,” he said.

As a result, sergeant Nhlongo confirmed that two illegal shebeens were closed for operating without a liquor permit, and liquor was confiscated.

“Fine of R1500 was issued to both illegal shebeens operators.”

Sergeant Nhlongo

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He added that the confiscated booze is going to be destroyed if the owners do not produce a Liquor permit within 30 days.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A LIQUOR LICENSE IN SOUTH AFRICA

An application for a shebeen or any establishment consists of at least:

  • A properly completed form 1;
  • A description of the premises or colour photographs;
  • Written representations;
  • A plan;
  • A tax clearance on the Applicant; and
  • A so-called police clearance on the Applicant or if it is not a natural person, its constituting members or shareholders, etc.

In the case of applications for a Liquor Store Licence, a Pub Licence, a Tavern Licence, a Night Club Licence and a Pool Parlor Licence, one must also include in the application a letter from the relevant local authority, on its letterhead, confirming that the premises may be used for the relevant purpose.