Durban, 14th February 2024 – The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Liquor Authority firmly denounces the illicit trading and unauthorised sale of liquor across the province.
This declaration follows the active involvement of the KZN Liquor Authority in two comprehensive joint operations.
The first operation was a four-day endeavour conducted in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, focused on the eThekwini and surrounding areas.
The second operation, in partnership with Esikhaleni SAPS, took place in Esikhaleni (Esikhawini), King Cetshwayo District.
Working alongside SAPS Crime Intelligence, eThekwini Metro Police, and other pertinent stakeholders, this collaborative endeavour significantly enhanced visibility and targeted illegal dealers of illicit liquor products.
During the operation, law enforcement executed two arrests for the selling of illicit liquor within the Durban Central area.
Additionally, a substantial quantity of illicit liquor, estimated at approximately R2000.00 in street value, was seized and subjected to laboratory analysis.
Furthermore, several containers housing suspicious brands were seized for further examination at select licensed establishments.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Esikhaleni South African Police Service (SAPS) and Isidingo Security, the KZN Liquor Authority spearheaded the Esikhaleni Law Enforcement Operation.
This strategic initiative aims to tackle non-compliance issues among liquor licence holders and close illegal outlets.
Notably, SAPS uncovered and processed three illegal outlets trading without licences, confiscating 555.58 litres of illicit liquor in the process.
These operations underscore the unwavering commitment of the KZN Liquor Authority to its mandate of controlling and regulating liquor sales within the province.
The KZN Liquor Authority remains steadfast in its resolve to intensify these enforcement operations while concurrently educating license holders on the importance of adhering to their license conditions.
We implore the public to promptly report any instances of liquor sales occurring without proper permits and any instances of manufacturing illicit liquor.
Concurrently, the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the KZN Liquor Authority express deep concern over the proliferation of unlicensed outlets throughout the province.
To address this issue comprehensively, a series of educational workshops will be conducted to enlighten prospective liquor licence applicants on legal trading practices within the province.
Details regarding workshop schedules and venues will be disseminated across all KZN Liquor Authority social media platforms.
