Shebeen owners urged to be responsible

"They should do this by taking care of their clients," said Thezi Mabuza, chief director of the National Liquor Authority.

She was speaking last week in Wolmaransstad, North West, where the province's department of economic development, environment, conservation and tourism interacted with women involved in taverns and stokvels. It was part of the department's drive to empower women to formalise their liquor businesses.

Mabuza said the liquor industry could cause harm to society if it was not regulated properly. "You have the right to sell liquor but it goes with responsibilities and liabilities.

"We have registered only 7% of the liquor businesses owned by women and this poses a serious challenge, hence we are reviewing the liquor policy to allow for growth," she said.

She encouraged women to diversify and start selling other products such as food and snacks to attract more customers.

"Choose your clientele, market and brand your business," she advised.

She said the department, in partnership with municipalities, would facilitate the registration of co-operatives to prepare women to be liquor distributors.

Onnica Sithole, director for enterprise development within the department, urged the 100-odd women at the event to work together to establish co-operatives, especially those whomen who are members of stokvels.

"All women need to stand up and take the lead in growing the economy of the province," she said.

Source: Sowetan via I-Net Bridge