New system to curb fake liquor licences

Mahlangu said an IT and business processing system has been designed and will be operational in respect of the Occasional and Catering Permits as from Thursday.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg, Mahlangu said: "We have been able to make progress because we paid particular attention to specific problems that confronted the liquor licensing process."

According to Mahlangu, distinguishing features of the new system include swiftness, robustness, efficiency, reliability and it is free of human interference.

The new system was introduced after it was discovered that some liquor licences were issued fraudulently with the help of corrupt officials within the department. This prompted the MEC to put in place a moratorium on the issuing of new licences.

The moratorium took effect in August to allow the department to improve its efficiency and to solve problems relating to the liquor licensing process.

Mahlangu said the moratorium had not been without problems. Its validity was challenged in court, but the ruling was in favour of the department.

Earlier this year, Mahlangu announced that her department would be reviewing all liquor licences and permits in the province.

Today she announced that since the new Gauteng Liquor Board was appointed in June, 1314 applications were considered of the 2450 applications received.

She also reminded all those who trade with liquor that liquor licence renewals for 2011/12 would begin on 1 December.

Gauteng liquor licence holders, who have received their converted licences, are advised to check the date stamp on their liquor licences and to renew them before the date that appears on licences. Licence holders whose licences are unstamped are requested to bring them to the head office of the Gauteng Liquor Board.

Mahlangu also advised people to come to the department to make their applications as it was cheaper compared to paying law firms legal fees to do applications on their behalf.

It is understood that some law firms charge from R10 000 to R50 000 for taverns and liquor stores.