Members of the Western Cape Liquor Traders Organisation (WCLTO) say they have had enough of what they call “harassment” by authorities and have threatened to stop liquor deliveries to chain stores if they are not granted liquor trading licences.
About 200 irate members of the organisation, which represents liquor traders in Western Cape townships, met at the Gugulethu Sports Complex on Tuesday to discuss how to get recognition from the authorities.
The traders feared their businesses would be at risk if police continued to “harass” them.
WCLTO secretary, Lifa Mapila, said their members were being unfairly treated.
“The challenges are licences. We have been engaging the authorities for two years now but there is no change.
“We are saying if traders, especially those who sell two to three cases of beer, apply for a license and do not qualify, at least give a permit to trade. These are people who want to put something on the table,” he said.
Mr Mapila said instead people are being arrested. “There is no way that people are not going to be repeat offenders and if you are a repeat offender, they send you to Pollsmoor Prison.
“Our plea is for the authorities to level the playing fields. We are saying give people a chance to trade. We have our code of conduct that says our traders should not hinder the neighbours,” he said.