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The Gauteng Provincial Government has noted widespread media reports that a number of liquor outlets are preparing to cash-in during the forthcoming 54th National Conference of the African National Conference (ANC), to be held at Nasrec Expo Centre, as from 16 December –until- 20 December 2017.

The Gauteng government through its agency, the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) will not grant permission to any liquor outlets or alcohol-selling venues intending to extend their trading hours to cater for the ANC Conference this weekend.

“As far as we are concerned scores of delegates, including dignitaries, international guests and foreign media will flock to Gauteng this week ahead of the ANC’s 54th National Conference. The Conference will bring some economic spin-offs especially for the hospitality sector. Liquor trading hours will not be extended, even though by law we have the discretion to do so”, says MEC Lebogang Maile.

In addition MEC Maile warned that “Any outlet that will sell liquor illegally during the duration of the Conference will face the wrath of the law. Our Inspectors will be on the look-out working closely with law enforcement agencies, especially the police. We will be conducting impromptu raids to monitor all outlets”.

One of the key benefits of Gauteng hosting this Conference is that it will showcase our province’s potential for hosting events of this magnitude to a global audience. The Gauteng provincial government is excited that our capacity as a world class bidding and hosting city region will be on display throughout the conference.

Lastly, MEC Maile would like to encourage delegates, especially foreign guests, to take advantage of their stay in the province, to visit the province’s many heritage sites as well as township tourism hot spots that give off a local flavour.

The province has been dubbed a “Mecca of SA’s Liberation Struggle”, as a result of iconic heritage places such as: Hector Peterson Memorial site in Soweto; Mandela Museum in Soweto; OR Tambo Precinct in Ekurhuleni and Chris Hani Memorial Walk of Remembrance site, also in Ekurhuleni.

Furthermore, the province is a home to  popular, world class township eatery’s such as Sakhumzi’s on Vilakazi Street in Soweto which will give our visitors an important “local is lekker” Gauteng experience.

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government