Selling alcohol to minors? Limpopo's liquor outlets risk immediate licence revocation
As South Africans embrace the spirit of the festive season, marked by vibrant celebrations and social gatherings, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is sounding the alarm on the heightened risks associated with alcohol and substance use during this time. Immediate licence revocation for liquor outlets selling to minors in Limpopo.
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The Limpopo provincial government has warned that liquor outlets found selling alcohol to minors or allowing underage patrons on their premises will face immediate licence revocation and possible closure.
In a media alert issued on Monday, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism said it viewed the continued violation of the Liquor Act with “great disgust”, particularly during the festive season when alcohol-related risks increase.
Departmental spokesperson Zaid Kalla said liquor licence holders were legally obligated to prevent minors from entering licensed premises.
“Liquor licence holders are, by law, required to prevent minors (anyone under the age of 18 years) from entering liquor premises for alcohol sales, consumption or any form of entertainment within licensed outlets,” he said.
The department stressed that responsibility rests squarely with business owners to verify the age of every customer, warning that negligence would not be tolerated.
“It is the duty of every owner to take responsible steps to verify the age of every patron,” Kalla said, adding that failure to do so, “even if unintentional, is a violation of the Liquor Act”.
Special attention has also been drawn to liquor outlets operating in the same buildings as spaza shops. The department said such businesses must have clear demarcations and separate entrances to prevent minors from accessing alcohol-related areas.
Kalla said enforcement would be stepped up through coordinated compliance operations with law enforcement. “All liquor outlets found to be in violation of the Limpopo Liquor Act will be harshly dealt with and where necessary such operating licences will be revoked and the establishment closed,” he said.
Parents were also warned against sending children to purchase alcohol on their behalf, with minors urged to refuse such instructions. The department cautioned that the presence of children at liquor outlets exposes them to vulnerability and potential abuse, including sexual assault by intoxicated patrons.
Compliance raids will continue throughout the festive season as authorities seek to clamp down on unlawful alcohol sales and protect minors from harm.
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