Tebogo Msimanga |
As the end-of-the-year examinations are coming to an end this week, Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) urges learners to refrain from any Pens Down parties that are largely characterised by excessive consumption of alcohol. In June this year, 21 young people died in a tavern in East London.
CEO of Eastern Cape Liquor Board Nombuyiselo Makala said as many grades are completing their examinations this week, there is a growing fear across the Eastern Cape that many learners may be organising the Pens Down parties. “We wish to send a very strong warning to our learners never to organise the Pens Down parties to avoid eventualities similar to the Enyobeni Tavern incident”.
Dr Makala added that a stern warning also goes to all liquor traders to refrain from hosting these Pens Down parties in their establishments, and where a liquor trader is found to have permitted young people to arrange the parties in their outlets an immediate action will be taken against such a liquor trader. “Our liquor inspectors working with SAPS have been deployed throughout the province to closely monitor liquor outlets that might be used for the Pens Down parties”.
