The Tshwane liquor organisation has joined forces with law enforcement agencies to remind liquor traders to comply with the Liquor Act going into the holiday season.
The awareness and door-to-door campaign organised by the association was held at Joe’s Place in Mamelodi East Section 14 on November 19.
The warning also arrives ahead of a celebration by matriculants dubbed Pens down; usually celebrated on the last day of October/November matric examinations.
Pens Down refers to the period after matric (Grade 12) students have completed their final exams. It’s a time of both relief and anticipation as students await their results and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Often, it’s associated with celebrations, parties, and a sense of freedom.
Here’s the official 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) October/November examination timetable.
The 2024 NSC exams commence on Monday, 21 October 2024.#NSC2024#ClassOf2024GP pic.twitter.com/X2dVPFDPxD
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) October 14, 2024
Oupa Mthombeni from the Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders Association said the aim of the campaign was to remind liquor traders to comply with the Liquor Act and warn matric learners to think twice before engaging in any Pens Down events this year.
“We have involved all stakeholders to take part in the campaign: from police, metro police, Tshwane mental health, and Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, dealing with drugs and substance abuse.”
Mthombeni added that the message is not only aimed at matrics but at everyone, including liquor traders.
“The learners need to focus on their future and stop focusing on alcohol and Pens Down parties because they finished writing the final examinations.
He said the campaign aimed to raise awareness about underage drinking.
“At the moment the matrics are busy with their final year examinations, and after writing their exams, they go buy alcohol and celebrate the Pens Down events at the local community parks.
“Terrible things occur during these engagements, such as rape resulting in teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, missing children, and fights because the matrics tend to drink liquor on such occasions.”
Mthombeni said the organisation had also invited the metro police to come on board, “because we have a challenge with taxi drivers who are hired by these children to drive them around drinking alcohol and attending the Pens Down events”.
The objective of the campaign and working with other stakeholders was to send a strong message to the community and parents of these children.
“We are explaining to tavern owners to make sure they do not sell liquor to underage children and ensure they comply with the Liquor Act.
“We don’t want to see tavern owners not complying, selling liquor, and playing music all night long, disturbing their neighbours,” said Mthombeni.
He said they also wanted to encourage tavern owners to take care of their customers and make sure they didn’t sell alcohol to drunk people and pregnant women.
“We are approaching the festive season and people are getting bonuses from their workplaces; make sure your customers do not overspend and finish all their money.
“When they go home, their money is finished; they are fighting with their partners and sometimes in front of their children.”
He also pleaded with liquor traders in Tshwane to work together and make money for a good cause, and not by killing society by selling liquor to underage children for the sake of getting customers.
In the past couple of years, matric final exam parties have claimed the lives of many young people through car accidents and violence meted out against one another.
Mthombeni added that parents needed to come on board and make sure their children don’t engage in any of these activities.
They intend to patrol the taverns, shebeens and pubs to make sure the liquor traders comply with the act.
He added that should they find anyone operating while selling liquor to the future leaders of this country, they will make sure they shut down his place of business.
“No phuza (drinks) will be served to customers dressed in school uniform.”
Mthombeni congratulated liquor traders for complying with the Liquor Act during the celebration of Youth Month by turning away customers who were wearing school uniforms.
He added that they should continue operating according to the Act.
He concluded that the No Pens Down and Bottle Up campaign is an annual event and will be practised by everyone, including the community.
Sister Julia Ledwaba, co-ordinator of Tshwane Mental Health, said they were there to support the door-to-door campaign.
“We support the organisation in the fight against underage drinking and want to encourage customers to drink responsibly because their actions could lead to mental health complications for their families.”
She said liquor contributes a lot to stress, gender-based violence, depression and other problems, and could lead to mental health complications affecting spouses and children.
“We say no to substance abuse and no to underage drinking,” said Ledwaba.
ALSO READ: 2024 Matric results to be withheld from newspapers
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