Latest news with #LiquorAct
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Blacklist, interdiction orders needed in Liquor Act reform: Iqaluit MLA
Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone wants Nunavut's Liquor Act reformed to make it harder for people convicted of violent crimes to access alcohol. Lightstone rose several times during the spring legislative sitting to press Justice Minister Pamela Gross and Finance Minister Lorne Kusugak on the issue. Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster and Uqqummiut MLA Mary Killiktee also posed similar questions. 'I believe all convictions of violent crimes while intoxicated should be accompanied by a court order to abstain from the consumption of alcohol,' Lightstone said in an interview. 'I believe, even stronger, that severe convictions such as murder, sexual abuse or child abuse while intoxicated, should be accompanied with those interdiction orders.' The Liquor Act has a provision allowing judges to place someone under an interdiction order, which prohibits people and businesses from serving or providing alcohol to them. However, since 1999 only one person has been placed under such an order, Kusugak said. Both Kusugak and Gross questioned the effectiveness and practicality of interdiction orders. 'There are other tools in the Liquor Act that can restrict alcohol use, such as decisions by a local alcohol education committee or automatic restrictions for certain liquor offences,' Gross said in a response May 29. She said judges can also restrict alcohol consumption as part of bail and probation conditions. Updating or reviewing the Liquor Act 'will be up to the next government,' Kusugak said in a May 22 response. Territorial elections are scheduled for Oct. 27. Lightstone said he was 'disappointed' by the ministers' answers. He noted larger communities like Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet don't have alcohol education committees, which in some smaller hamlets control the local sale of alcohol. In those smaller communities, people must apply to buy alcohol and be approved by the committee. Lightstone suggested a different type of committee approach. 'Everybody would be assumed to have access to alcohol, and it would only be individuals referred to this alcohol committee by officials like the RCMP or mental health staff or social workers' who would have their name on a 'blacklist.' Theoretically, he said, Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet could be included in that system. Lightstone also called for more collaboration between RCMP and staff from the Justice, Family Services and Health departments. He suggested people from those departments should visit the RCMP holding cells to speak with people detained there. 'These individuals that are likely self-medicating or have other substance abuse issues, they need to know what options are available to them should they be ready to make that healthy life choice, to start going down the path of self-healing.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police net over 300 arrests in north crime-tackling efforts
Police continued their efforts this week to combat crime in the north of Pretoria, which resulted in over 300 arrests. The police targeted wanted suspects, raided crime hotspots, and issued fines during the operation. The policing measure was led under the command of Tshwane District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine. The high-impact, high-visibility crime-combating initiative under the banner of Operation Shanela, focused on the Sinoville and Kameeldrift policing precincts on May 22. SAPS spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said, 'The joint efforts yielded significant results, with 328 suspects arrested for a range of criminal offences.' He said the operation maintained a strong emphasis on visible policing, with intensified deployments aimed at enforcing liquor compliance and apprehending wanted suspects. 'Detectives in the Tshwane District were responsible for 280 of the arrests, including 85 suspects linked to gender-based violence-related cases, murder (4), attempted murder (2), armed robbery (4) and rape (3).' He said targeted patrols were conducted at 18 identified crime hotspots. One suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in dagga after being found with one shopping bag full of dagga, an additional 14 ziplock bags of dagga, and an undisclosed amount of cash. He added that three liquor establishments that were inspected confirmed full compliance with the Liquor Act. 'In addition, six second-hand goods dealers were inspected and fined a total of R19 000 for contraventions of the Second-Hand Goods Act.' Van Dyk added a roadblock in Kameeldrift, supported by tactical teams operating throughout the areas of Kameeldrift and Sinoville, led to the detention of 47 undocumented foreign nationals. 'These individuals are currently being processed by immigration officials for deportation.' He said 652 individuals and 39 vehicles were searched by law enforcement personnel during the operation, and 107 vehicles were tested to determine if they were stolen. 'Traffic officers issued 104 Aarto infringement notices, totalling R50 750 in fines for various road traffic violations.' Van Dyk concluded with Thine extending his appreciation to all participating role-players for their dedication and commitment to making the operation a success. ALSO READ: Warning: No water for over four days – Full list of affected suburbs Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
Alcohol seized over the past year in Tshwane undergoes massive destruction
Alcohol seized over the past year in Tshwane undergoes massive destruction To adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance with the Liquor Act, the SAPS in the Tshwane district disposed of 6.4 million millilitres of confiscated alcohol on Wednesday. The disposal took place at the Tshwane Metro Water works in Pretoria Central, under the command of district commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine, and overseen by Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, station commander of Brooklyn SAPS. According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the alcohol was seized over the past year during various law enforcement operations. These include liquor compliance inspections, targeted raids, high-density operations, and the ongoing execution of Operation Shanela at all 36 police stations across the district. Van Dyk said confiscations occurred primarily due to violations of the Liquor Act, including trading without valid licences or operating unregistered outlets. 'The Tshwane District SAPS continues to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance with the Liquor Act,' he said. He said the abuse and unlawful distribution of alcohol remains a key contributor to several societal challenges, including public disorder, domestic violence, assault, and other contact crimes. 'Alcohol misuse is often linked to socio-economic instability, placing an additional burden on healthcare services, policing resources, and community safety,' said Van Dyk. He emphasised that by removing illicit liquor from circulation and enforcing regulatory compliance, SAPS aims to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol abuse and restore order in communities. He added that this approach supports broader crime prevention efforts and fosters safer, more responsible environments for all residents. Thine has issued a stern warning to liquor traders and restaurant owners to ensure full compliance with their liquor licences. 'We will not hesitate to act against those who violate the law. Non-compliant establishments will face fines, closure, and the confiscation of all liquor on the premises,' Thine said. He said that law enforcement efforts will remain ongoing across the Tshwane district to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol, in line with SAPS's commitment to building safer communities. ALSO READ: MMC provides mixed results in Centurion service delivery efforts Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
21-05-2025
- The South African
SAPS destroys 6 million ml of illegal alcohol in Tshwane
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane has destroyed over 6.4 million millilitres of confiscated alcohol, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on illegal liquor trading. The destruction took place on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Tshwane Metro Water works in Pretoria-Central. SAPS officers, under the command of District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine and overseen by Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, Station Commander of Brooklyn SAPS, carried out the disposal. The alcohol was seized during year-long enforcement efforts across all 36 police stations in the district. These included compliance inspections, targeted raids, and high-density operations as part of Operation Shanela. Police made most of the confiscations after finding traders violating the Liquor Act. Offences included selling alcohol without a licence or running illegal outlets. SAPS has warned that illegal alcohol trading contributes to a range of crimes and societal issues, including domestic violence, assault and public disorder. Major-General Thine emphasised the need to address the socio-economic consequences of alcohol abuse which strain both policing and healthcare resources. 'We will not hesitate to act against those who violate the law. Non-compliant establishments will face fines, closure and the confiscation of all liquor on the premises,' Thine said. Law enforcement operations aimed at curbing the illegal sale and distribution of alcohol will continue throughout Tshwane. SAPS has urged liquor traders and restaurant owners to fully comply with licence conditions or risk losing their stock and operating permits. Police say removing illicit liquor from circulation is vital to restoring public order and fostering safer communities. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police make arrests in operation outside Carletonville
The SAPS held big Operation Shanela action in the Carletonville and Khutsong area over the past weekend. They joined forced with other law enforcers to, amongst other actions, hold a big roadblock near the R500 on the evening of Saturday May 10. A large number of drivers were pulled off at the roadblock and arrests were made for drunken driving, the possession of drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act. A tavern was also closed for failing to comply with the Liquor Act. The action was led by the West Rand District Commissioner Major General Lorraine Challen. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
