KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube on Thursday reiterated that her department will deal with the mushrooming of businesses that are operating with fraudulent liquor licences in the province.

This follows the operation by the department’s compliance inspectors working with law enforcement agencies where six fraudulent liquor licences were discovered, as well as fraudulent confirmations of payment receipts since the country moved to Level 1 of the national lockdown.

“We wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal and 8 000 liquor licence holders that our entity, the KZN Liquor Authority will continue to ensure compliance and adherence with the Disaster Management Regulations and the KZN Liquor Act, Act 06 of 2010,” said Dube-Ncube.

Her department said the regulations are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of customers, workers and liquor traders.

Over the past four months, more than 2 000 liquor traders across the province have been visited during business inspection, compliance and enforcement.

The outlets in question involve a fully operational liquor outlet - one being a popular outlet in Chartwell Drive, in Umhlanga.

The KZN Liquor Authority has appointed a forensic investigator to probe these cases and liaise with law enforcement authorities.

“We are confident that the main culprits involved in this racket will be punished severely. This will serve as a lesson to aspiring fraudsters and dubious liquor traders. As directed by the meeting of the provincial executive council, chaired by Premier Sihle Zikalala, our inspectors will continue to make unannounced visits throughout the corners of the province,” explained the MEC.