{
  "id": 11962489,
  "title": "Gauteng to halt issuing of liquor licenses: Lesufi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/gauteng-to-halt-issuing-of-liquor-licenses-lesufi",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T16:23:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/gauteng-to-halt-issuing-of-liquor-licenses-lesufi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gauteng government has decided to temporarily suspend the issuance of liquor licenses to taverns, as announced by Premier Panyaza Lesufi. This decision was made during a National Prayer Day and memorial held at the Alberton Civic Centre on Sunday. Lesufi stated that these measures are intended to reduce substance abuse and prevent further tragedies like the recent mass shooting at a tavern in Wedela near Carltonville, where 18 people were killed. The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) organized the event to remember the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) across the country. Lesufi emphasized that despite the disruption caused, the government remains committed to addressing these issues. He affirmed, \"We've decided: no more new liquor licenses in our province.\"",
  "summary": "Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi says these measures have been put in place to curb substance abuse.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gauteng government suspends liquor license issuance temporarily.",
    "Premier Panyaza Lesufi announces decision at National Prayer Day.",
    "Measures aim to curb substance abuse and prevent tragedies."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Lesufi announces plans to tackle GBVF in Gauteng",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/lesufi-announces-plans-to-tackle-gbvf-in-gauteng",
        "published": "2026-10-04T19:00:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}