LIQUOR LICENCE ANARCHY IN GAUTENG

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said yesterday that she will crack down on illegal liquor outlets, but the province's Liquor Unit has no data on how many liquor licenses have been issued to outlets that are within a 500 metre radius of a school, church or mosque, as is forbidden by the law (Act No 2 of 2003, The Gauteng Liquor Act, Section 24, Clause3).

This is revealed in a written reply by Gauteng Economic Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu to questions by Democratic Alliance MPL Dr Gavin Lewis.

According to Mahlangu, her Department is "embarking on a process of strengthening its inspectorate to be able to verify the position on issued licenses with regards to the 500m radius requirement".

What this really means is that the issuing of liquor licenses in Gauteng is in a state of anarchy.

The breaching of the 500 metre requirement is a thorn in the side of every school principal, parent, religious observer and upholder of the rule of law in Gauteng.

The free-for-all approach to the issuing of liquor licenses enrages communities, black and white, rich and poor, across the province, especially in the context of growing concerns about substance abuse amongst the youth in particular.

Corruption is probably involved as well.

Once again, the government of Gauteng Province is failing to govern in the interests of its people, unable even to get the basics right after 16 years of continuous rule by one political party.

Statement issued by Dr Gavin Lewis, DA Gauteng Economic Development spokesman, April 1 2011

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