PROJECT: INITIATIVES AGAINST AND PREVENTION OF CRIME IN SHEBEENS AND TAVERNS (PART 2)

Isabel Spies
2 days ago
5 min read

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Brutal massacres at illegal shebeens and unlicensed taverns have become a deeply troubling feature of South Africa’s violent-crime landscape. These informal drinking establishments, often operating without regulation, security protocols, or adherence to liquor-licensing laws, create high-risk environments where criminal groups exploit vulnerabilities with devastating effect.

Recent mass shootings and targeted gang-related attacks have highlighted the lethal convergence of illegal firearms,

alcohol abuse, territorial disputes, and the absence of effective oversight.

As these incidents continue to claim innocent lives and destabilise already vulnerable communities,

it is imperative to analyse the drivers, patterns, and preventative imperatives surrounding this escalating threat.

Read our initial project for context:

https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-public-awareness-of-the-role-illegal-shebeens-and-taverns-played-in-crime-part-1

Listen to Mr. Mike Bolhuis’ comprehensive and insightful interview on this scourge of crime here:

https://mikebh.link/42d374

KEY ACTIONS AND INITIATIVES:

INTENSIFIED POLICE OPERATIONS:
- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has ramped up operations, such as "Operation Shanela" and "Safer Festive Season" campaigns, which include high-density patrols and targeted raids on illegal liquor outlets.
- This has resulted in thousands of arrests of illegal traders and the seizure of large volumes of illicit alcohol.
- Since the start of the SAPS “Safer Festive Season” initiative, which runs from October 2025 to January 2026, a total of:
  - 51,844 liquor premises were inspected.
  - 3,665 illegal shebeens were closed.
  - 6,641 persons were arrested for the unlawful sale of liquor.
  - 297,804 litres of liquor destroyed that was earmarked for illegal trade.
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL ESTABLISHMENTS:
- A primary focus is shutting down unlicensed shebeens, which are often linked to criminal activity and mass shootings.
- In the Atteridgeville precinct alone, including Saulsville, over 101 illegal shebeens were closed in the current financial year.
- Owners found operating without valid licenses are charged.
CHARGING PERPETRATORS:
- Following violent incidents like mass shootings, police launch manhunts for perpetrators and charge those responsible, including the owners of the illegal venues for non-compliance with liquor laws.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVES:
- Provincial leaders, such as the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, have called for and implemented crackdowns on illegal establishments to ensure public safety and compliance.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND REPORTING:
- Authorities are working with community police forums and encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity or unlicensed shebeens.
- Community members can report irresponsible sales to authorities like the Western Cape Liquor Authority.
SUPPORT LEGAL VENUES:
- The government is promoting compliance among licensed venues and providing incentives for legal operators in an effort to create safer, regulated environments and boost the formal economy.
INTEGRATED CRIME AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION STRATEGY:
- The government has developed this broader strategy to address the socio-economic drivers of violence, although some sources note it is under-resourced.
VICTIM SUPPORT:
- The initiatives also include victim support services and intensified investigative work to finalise cases and ensure justice for victims of crime.
- These actions form a coordinated, multi-agency approach aimed at disrupting the illicit alcohol trade and enhancing overall community safety.

THE CURRENT LAW FOR TAVERNS AND SHEBEENS IN SOUTH AFRICA:

Taverns and shebeens are primarily governed by Provincial Liquor Acts and local municipal by-laws, as the national Liquor Act of 1989 provides the overall framework, but specific regulations are provincialised.
The key principle is that all establishments selling alcohol must be licensed.
KEY LEGAL ASPECTS:
- LICENSING IS MANDATORY:
  - Operating a shebeen or tavern without a valid liquor licence is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence.
- PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION:
  - Each province has its own liquor act, such as the Gauteng Liquor Act, 2003 or the Western Cape Liquor Act.
  - These acts detail the application process, licence categories, and compliance requirements.
- MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS AND ZONING:
  - Taverns must comply with municipal land use and zoning schemes, as well as building regulations.
  - Municipalities like the City of Ekurhuleni have specific policies regarding the operation of house taverns in residential areas.
- COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT:
  - The South African Police Service (SAPS), metro police, and provincial liquor inspectors conduct joint operations to ensure compliance with the law.
  - Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, including fines over R100,000, confiscation of stock, and closure of the establishment.
- RESPONSIBLE TRADING:
  - NO SALES TO MINORS:
    - Selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited.
  - ADHERENCE TO TRADING HOURS:
    - Operating hours are strictly regulated and vary by province and licence type (on-consumption vs. off-consumption).

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Mike Bolhuis

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