Earlier this year the Delft community welcomed the deployment of 50 Learner Law Enforcement officers(LLEO) as part of the City’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP). Since then, enforcement has gained momentum. Today, 33 LLEOs assisted the City’s Liquor Enforcement Unit during an operation in the area.
‘The deployment of LLEOs to bolster the Liquor Enforcement Unit not only extends the reach of this important Unit, but it also improves the response time and allows for the Law Enforcement officers to gain valuable experience in the enforcement environment. Illegal trading of alcohol often leads to crime related incidents and we will not allow this. By enforcing the relevant by-laws, officers protect communities from criminal elements and ensuring that residents can exercise their constitutional rights,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Some of the key functions of the City’s Liquor Enforcement Unit include the enforcement of by-laws, attending to complaints, issuing of compliance notices, processing of new liquor applications and the inspection of premises. Since the re-opening of liquor outlets, the registered businesses in Delft were compliant with regards to the national Alert Level 3 regulations.
During last month the Unit, with the assistance of the LLEOs, issued 45 compliance notices and participated in 14 integrated operations with other enforcement agencies. Of the 151 licensed premises inspected, 146 were found to be compliant. Unlicensed liquor outlets inspected during the same period were133.
‘It is essential that we take every step possible to reduce alcohol related harms. Between 21 March and 26 June 2020, the Western Cape Liquor Authority(WCLA) had conducted 82 investigations into the illegal trade of liquor and suspended 34 licenses. I have called on members of the public to have their say on liquor license applications within their communities. We know that liquor can have adverse effects on our communities such as domestic violence and underage drinking. Community members are best placed to advise the WCLA on the impact of alcohol on their suburbs and villages, and ultimately their loved ones. If you have any concerns regarding a liquor license application in your community, you are advised to contact the WCLA directly,’ said MEC Albert Fritz, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Community Safety.
Residents can register their concerns by phoning 021 204 9805 or email liquor.enquiries@wcla.gov.za or by visiting their website on https://www.wcla.gov.za/.
‘While I was out with the Law Enforcement officers on Thursday, one arrest was made for the illegal sale of alcohol when officers found 85 bottles of liquor amounting to 63 litres in total at a property unauthorised to sell liquor. The training our officers have received in liquor enforcement is already making an impact in communities,’ said Alderman Smith.