Media Release
To: Journalists & Editors
27 March 2024
EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD WARNS UNDERAGE PERSONS AGAINST THE PARTIES THAT ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THE EASTER WEEKEND
As 2024 Easter Weekend draws closer, Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) has received an extremely worrying information about learners who are organising parties for the Easter Weekend.
ECLB has received a tip-off from some of its learner ambassadors about a poster that is circulating on various social media platforms inviting learners from Buffalo City to attend a pool party that is going to be organised on 30th March at a B&B in East London.
On the poster potential attendees are advised to bring a bottle of whiskey or gin as an entry requirement, and this clearly demonstrates that the intention is nothing else but to consume alcohol.
This is extremely alarming, and learners are urged to refrain from this repugnant behaviour. ECLB will visit the alleged host B&B with a view to admonish them against this planned pool party.
In addition, ECLB has been reliably informed that there are other groups of learners that are planning to gather on the 30th of March 2024 at the East London Beach Front for the same purpose.
Said the CEO, Dr Makala “We are extremely shocked to learn that following our relentless effort to educate learners about the dangers of underage drinking and the new culture of Pens Down Parties,
this report clearly illustrates that they blatantly ignore our messages and elect to indulge in alcohol.”
“We will, however, work tirelessly to ensure that these parties are prevented from being organised, and we are already activating law enforcement agencies and other related stakeholders to work together to deal with this pervasive social problem across the province of the Eastern Cape. We further urge liquor traders not to allow their establishments to host these parties and where we find them hosting these parties, we will immediately take drastic steps”, Said Dr Makala.
As many parents will be attending Easter Weekend church services leaving their children behind at home, we urge them to make necessary arrangements to ensure that their homes are protected from potential hosting of these parties, and there is an adult will monitor them at home.
Parents and members of the community are urged to be vigilant during this time and know the whereabouts of their children and where these parties are suspected, they must be reported to the nearest police station or the ECLB by calling Toll-Free Line 080 000 0420 or sending a WhatsApp message to 076 403 6223.
For any enquiries, please contact Mgwebi Msiya at 060 501 6418 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ENDS…
