Meyerton women liquor traders empowered through consumer education

Meyerton SAPS brought women liquor traders and community members together at the Meyerton Community Hall on 12 August for a consumer education and awareness workshop focused on responsible trading, compliance, crime prevention and consumer rights.

The programme, hosted by Meyerton SAPS Social Crime Prevention and the Meyerton Designated Liquor Officer, also addressed factors contributing to gender-based violence and femicide and crimes affecting local communities.

Participants received information on liquor regulations and compliance, legal and illegal gambling, credit and debt, consumer rights and voter education. Liquor traders were encouraged to stay informed about regulations affecting their businesses.

Warrant Officer Kuni emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations. “Compliance helps businesses run smoothly and prevents closures and seizures,” Kuni said.

The initiative also aimed to empower women operating businesses who may not be familiar with some of the requirements governing their operations.

Constable Nompumelelo Zazini stressed the importance of security at taverns for the safety of patrons. “Security at taverns is important for the safety of patrons,” Zazini said.

She also encouraged liquor traders to strengthen their forums so they could participate in local structures and understand where they could play a role.

Representatives from the Gauteng Legislature, Independent Electoral Commission, Gauteng Liquor Board, Gauteng Gambling Board, Gauteng Consumer Affairs, National Consumer Commission, Midvaal Local Municipality and Nedbank delivered presentations.

Other stakeholders included the Department of Community Safety, Meyerton and De Deur SAPS representatives, Vereeniging Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, Gauteng Wardens, Midvaal Council and Agape Lerato NGO.