20 Gauteng liquor outlets shut as authorities intensify GBVF response

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the closure of 20 liquor outlets and the flagging of hundreds more for non-compliance following 73 inspections as authorities crack down on alcohol-related violence linked to gender-based violence and femicide. The province has issued 459 non-compliance notices and referred 566 liquor outlets to the Liquor Inspectorate for further checks.

Over 40 joint enforcement operations have been carried out across Gauteng to target unlicensed outlets, repeat offenders, and illegal trading beyond permitted hours. This crackdown is part of a 90-day intervention program following President Cyril Ramaphosa's call for coordinated action on alcohol-related violence. Lesufi stated that Gauteng has completed three of eight liquor enforcement directives and is working on the remaining five.

Specialized warden training is set to begin in early November. Weekly by-law enforcement operations began on October 1 across municipalities. Johannesburg has mapped high-risk zones and prepared buildings for public use, while Tshwane has cleared vegetation near transport stations and Ekurhuleni inspected taxi ranks for faulty CCTV systems.

Safety audits across municipalities are between 60% and 80% complete, with urgent hazards to be addressed within 90 days. The premier emphasized that while progress has been made, significant work remains, with 21 of 67 GBVF directives completed, 38 under way, and eight yet to begin. Government action needs to be complemented by community involvement to effectively address gender-based violence and femicide.