Picture: Former ANCYL president, Collen Maine appointed as board member of North West Gambling Board/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi said they have sworn in six members, Prof Vuyo Peach (Chairperson), Collen Maine (Deputy Chairperson), Tsholofelo Lerumo, Kagiso Seleke, Patrick Makgale and Tshenolo Lefutswe to serve as board members for the North West Gambling Board.
Tlhapi said this is in terms of Section 5 of the North West Gambling Board Act 2 of 2001, as amended. She further said the newly sworn-in members will be taken through induction processes to familiarise them with relevant gambling legislations as part of strengthening governance and management of the North West Gambling Board.
“The North West Gambling Board is tasked with the responsibility of regulating the gambling industry in the province and also plays an important role in generating revenue and creating jobs, which ultimately will grow the economy of the province.
“As the department, we also engaged various businesses at Mogwase Complex to share information on the importance of renewing liquor trading licenses for Liquor Outlet Traders in the area. The awareness campaign was to remind liquor traders to renew their licenses in compliance with their licensing requirements and adhere to rules and regulations accordingly,” said Tlhapi.
She added that, as the country’s alcohol sales increase at an excessive rate. However, Tlhapi said, some challenges experienced within the liquor industry lead Liquor Traders to sell alcoholic beverages unlawfully in order to save costs and make extra profit for their businesses, which is wrong and can cost them their liquor license.
“Alcohol trading compliance is crucial for success in the alcohol industry as it forms part of generating income, hence traders are encouraged to comply with legislation to avoid suspension of their trading licenses.
“Liquor trades are urged to renew their licenses before 31 December 2023, failing which penalties will be charged. License holders who are trading with expired licenses are breaching the law and will be subjected to penalties or suspension of license. Community members or liquor traders are encouraged to look out for renewal roadshows around their town or village to renew their licenses,” said Tlhapi.
She said together with the department’s Consumer Affairs Unit, Liquor Regulation unit, the North West Gambling Board, SAPS, and Bojanala District Health Inspectors, also conducted compliance inspections at Borolelo Township, in Swartruggens.
According to Tlhapi, a total number of 14 tuckshops were inspected and 7 were non-compliant in terms of fraudulent pricing that misled consumers.
“The Liquor Regulation Unit also conducted an awareness program at Borolelo Hospital, where 70 patients were educated on the abuse of alcohol consumption and how to apply for liquor licenses.
“The Liquor Regulations Unit inspected eight liquor outlets. Out of those eight, only 6 were compliant while 2 were non-compliant by failing to produce a liquor license and keeping records of trading on the premises,” said Tlhapi.
She said her department urges the community to assist the police by reporting outlets that do not adhere to rules and regulations. Tlhapi said by so doing, the community will be playing a huge part in taking care of their surroundings and contributing positively to the local economy.
The Guardian 