LIQUOR OUTLET OPPOSITE UNESWA LIKELY TO CLOSE

Business

BY MBONO MDLULI

MBABANE – Liquor outlet opposite the Kwaluseni Campus of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is likely to close down, as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has resolved not to renew its contract.

This is according to a statement issued today, January 17, 2025 by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo. The non-renewal of the licence for the said liquor outlet, whose name was not revealed in the statement, will not only apply to it, but full compliance will be enforce upon all liquor outlets across the country, according to the statement.

The minister said they wanted to ensure that all liquor outlets had to fully comply with the Liquor Licences Act No. 27 of 2023. Khumalo said in the statement that this measure was taken to ensure that consumers and the citizens were protected. This was also done by the Ministry to promote fair business practices and encourage a competitive business environment.

Khumalo said his Ministry was committed to ensuring that all businesses operated within the framework of the law, while protecting citizens. “Our immediate focus will be addressing compliance with the law when it comes to existence of liquor outlets in close proximity to institutions of learning,” Khumalo said.

Adding, the minister said, “To this end, we announce that the licence of the liquor business opposite the University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni Campus will not be renewed, after receiving complaints from concerned citizens associated with the university.”

The minister went on to encourage members of the public to continue reporting businesses that failed to comply with the terms of their licences and the law, especially institutions of learning. He assured the nation that all complaints would be handled with confidentiality, urgency, and decisiveness. “As per the law, a complaint should be signed by 10 or more adults within the radius of one kilometer from the establishment,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo said after thorough investigations and allegations holding substance, an action to close the said establishment would be taken. He said local and traditional authorities, such as chiefs, had a right to object to a renewal of licences for such establishments.

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