Bitou cracks down on illegal business

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Municipality's public safety unit took care of 'business' over the weekend, cracking down on illegal trading.

This is part of a continuous campaign to ensure business in and around Plettenberg Bay operate within the ambits of the law.

The recent operations took place in two areas – Kranshoek and Wittedrift and focused on businesses operating without the necessary permits and selling food items past the expiration date.

The operations were also conducted with the support of key partners in the law enforcement sector, including local police.

The operations were conducted on Friday 18 August and began in Witterdrift where two shops were inspected with a health inspector from Garden Route District Municipality. This was in order to ensure shops are not selling expired or poor quality products to the public. During the operation expired products including baby food, cool drinks, chips and spices were removed from the shelves and confiscated.

Bitou public safety and other law enforcers crack down on illegal businesses.

Later that day the teams moved on to Kranshoek where a tavern was found to be operating without a trading permit. The Bitou communications team said that the establishment was immediately closed down and the alcohol found on the premises was confiscated.

"Once again, emphasis was placed on the fact that these operations will continue throughout Bitou. Harsh action will be taken against individuals or businesses that are found to be breaking the law," the team said.

The unit's Xolani Bangela said the campaign was crucial as it protected the public from consuming expired products. "These products can pose a health risk to consumers. Shop owners must be warned that it is a serious offense to sell expired food to the public."

He further said that the campaign is carried out in all areas.

Some of the stock which was removed from the businesses.

There were also further raids at three illegal taverns in the Crags area which were also closed down. The team further conducted stop and search operations at Qolweni, Kwanokuthula and New Horizons as well.