3 minute read
Standing Together
from Spotong Issue 19
by 3S Media
INDUSTRY NEWS
STANDING TOGETHER Fighting the scourge of scammers and alcohol abuse
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The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has issued a warning of a scam that is targeting liquor licence holders. “The National Liquor Authority (NLA) of the dti has received a number of enquiries relating to suspicious WhatsApp and SMS messages, in which both national and provincial licence holders are requested to deposit certain monies for the renewal of their liquor licences,” said the dti in a statement.
The messages are sent from this number: 082007229288038.
The message reads:
Payment reminder: Liquor License admin fee is outstanding with R250.00 for the year 2016. Payment is due before 01 Sept 2016 to prevent penalties or suspension. Payment or Deposit must be made to: Liquor AST SA Bank: FNB ACC: 62632838671 REF: License or Permit Number.
The dti is investigating the matter. It said no licence categories require an annual renewal fee of R250. The SMS number 082007229288038 is not a number that is allocated to the department. The banking details shown in the SMS are not the banking details used by the NLA.
The scam is largely operating in Gauteng. However, more evidence has come to the fore that the scam is also spreading to various provinces. “This is posing a challenge and is a costly exercise for both the liquor regulators and the enforcement agencies. As a result, the dti and South African Police Service (SAPS) have identified the need to heighten awareness of these fraudulent activities to the prospective registrants and the South African community at large.”
People who receive or have received these messages are advised to contact the dti call centre on 0861 843 384 or send an email to nationalliquorauthority@thedti.gov.za.
There is a need for integration and cooperation in dealing with the effects of alcohol misuse.
Civil society and government should work together to fight the scourge of alcohol abuse, says Chief Director at the National Liquor Authority Prea Ramdhuny. Speaking at a campaign to combat liquor abuse, hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry, Ramdhuny said the complexity of alcohol abuse in South Africa demands a coordinated and integrated approach. “There is a need for integration and cooperation across all levels of the continuum for dealing with the adverse effects of alcohol misuse,” she said on Thursday in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
Government has legislation in place to deal with the problem of alcohol abuse to reduce its harm, demand and supply.
However, the challenges associated with alcohol abuse still persists irrespective of the efforts by government, non-governmental organisations and the industry. Ramdhuny highlighted that as much as government creates and implements policies to regulate the liquor industry, formulating partnerships with communities and encouraging cooperation between stakeholders is key. “We have to teach our young about the health risks associated with using alcohol at an early age, advise pregnant women not to indulge in alcohol as South Africa has one of the highest rates of foetal alcohol syndrome in the world. “Government’s efforts to address the problem have been inadequate. We can’t evade responsibility for tackling the root causes of the disease any longer,” she said. The harm caused by alcohol abuse has far-reaching negative effects that not only affect those who drink but those who are part of the drinker’s immediate environment.
President of the Tshwane Liquor Traders Association Oupa Mthombeni said it would be unrealistic to only depend on government to fight alcohol abuse. He said alcohol traders still had the responsibility to ensure that they do not sell alcohol to minors and that they do not to sell to visibly intoxicated individuals and pregnant women. “We have to take care of our communities, as it is through them that our businesses are thriving and are contributing to the economy. Efforts such as providing information on alcohol, positive engagements with youths in and out of school, promotion of responsible use must be part of our core business as well,” said Mthombeni.
The National Liquor Authority is a regulatory body within the department responsible for administering the National Liquor Act..
