The City of Cape Town’s Vice Squad and Liquor Enforcement units had a series of operations focusing on prostitution and illegal liquor sales this month.
Operations in Bellville, Brooklyn, Macassar and Atlantis resulted in the issuing of 31 spot fines for solicitation totalling R37 700, as well as five compliance notices to women found conducting their trade on the streets.
Meanwhile, the City’s Liquor Enforcement Unit conducted inspections of 78 premises in Milnerton, Bothasig, Tokai, Langa, central Cape Town and Parow in the last week. Officers issued 17 spot fines totalling R28 000.
In addition, they executed three warrants of arrest and issued 11 compliance notices to owners of establishments that did not comply with the relevant regulations.
During integrated operations with SAPS in Durbanville, Kraaifontein and Mfuleni, spot fines totalling R9 500 were issued to shebeen owners not complying with the City’s by-laws.
Two suspects were also arrested for selling alcohol without a valid liquor licence.
“The public inundate us with complaints about illegal or irregular liquor sales, but it is important to understand that it is not a sprint to get a problematic liquor premises shut down, but more of a marathon. Some tavern and shebeen owners are sanctioned once and toe the line; others are determined to push the limits and while they may initially get off with a slap on the wrist, continued disregard for the law eventually sees them falling into the hole that they’ve dug for themselves. I’m looking forward to new regulations that are set to be enacted in April which will allow the City to enforce the provincial Liquor Act,” said JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security.
* Lodge complaints with the Liquor Enforcement Unit and Vice Squad by calling 021 980 1386.
