Warning to all non-complying liquor licence holders!

By Khulile Thwala

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has issued a stern warning to all non-complying liquor licence holders following allegations of social disturbances caused by them.

In the statement, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo urged all liquor businesses to adhere to the stipulations of the Liquor Licenses Act of 1964 in accordance with the terms of their licence types.

“The ministry is keen to accept grievances from the public on any social disturbances caused by non-complying licence holders. Allegations will be investigated and if they are found legitimate or hold substance, the ministry has taken a stand to revoke those licences,” reads part of the statement.

The minister further mentioned that random inspections in all regions were underway and perpetrators had been cautioned.

“Continued breach of terms of licence shall lead to that licence being confiscated and subsequently revoked. Currently, the Ministry has revoked at least two licences, in the Hhohho and Shiselweni regions for breaching the terms of their liquor licences.”

In previous incidences, the ministry revoked trading licences of liquor outlets which breached Covid-19 regulations. Amahle Bottle Store in Manzini, which is owned by a member of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), had its licence revoked in April 2021 following operation after the stipulated time.

This was at a time when liquor outlets were allowed to operate from 11 am to 7 pm.