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The Eastern Cape Liquor Board says it has learned with dismay and concern about posters and social media posts advertising so-called pens down parties at the end of the matric exams.
The ECLB has been running a campaign to stop this practise following the deaths of 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park in East London last year.
The cause of their deaths has not yet been determined while the tavern owners are on trial for contravening the Liquor Act.
Disgruntled parents of the deceased children have been seeking answers from authorities as the inquest into their deaths continues.
In a statement on Thursday, the ECLB said it strongly condemns “this detestable behaviour with the contempt it deserves and is working relentlessly to prevent these parties”.
Communities are urged to be extremely vigilant during this time to do everything possible to thwart these parties from being hosted.
Also Read: Enyobeni families want tavern owners to be prosecuted for murder
“We wish to send a stern warning to our learners never to organise the Pens Down parties so as to avoid eventualities similar to the Enyobeni Tavern incident”, said CEO Dr Nombuyiselo Makala.
She also issued a warning to liquor traders to refrain from hosting these parties in their establishments adding that immediate action would be taken against any trader who allows this to happen.
“Our liquor inspectors working with SAPS will be closely monitoring liquor outlets that might be used for the Pens Down parties,” said Dr Makala.
“Young people are encouraged to look for other means of celebrating the end of examinations without indulging in alcohol”.
EC liquor board decries adverts for ‘pens down parties’ https://t.co/nyaUKYurbK @ECLiquorBoard @SAPoliceService @OfficialBCMM @AlgoaFM @AlgoaFMNews pic.twitter.com/biGt36Wka3
— AlgoaFMNews (@AlgoaFMNews) November 16, 2023
