‘Obvious’ that Enyobeni broke licence agreement, says liquor association

The association has reacted to the passing of 21 young people at Enyobeni tavern at Scenery Park in the Eastern Cape. 

Spokesperson Lucky Ntimane says while it's obvious the owner of the tavern broke the rules, they are working with police to drive liquor compliance. 

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has since revoked the tavern's liquor licence and will lay criminal charges against the owner. 

"We are particularly concerned by initial reports claiming that the incident happened in the early hours of the morning, pointing to potential non-compliance to committed trading hours,” says Ntimane. 

“We engaged with the minister of police and national police commissioner to share our sentiments around enforcing the liquor traders regime and ensuring compliance of traders at all times. We will be holding our traders to high standards of compliance in ensuring it provides a safe place for patrons to socialise.”

 READ: Bodies of teens in tavern tragedy to be released

Meanwhile, speaking at a community prayer service at Scenery Park on Monday, a community leader urged residents to never allow this incident to ever happen again.

He said it's time the community addresses its social ills.

 "He who does not take care of his youth does not deserve a future. So this is a societal challenge that we must overcome, it needs to be addressed.”