By: Natasha Archary
The National Liquor Traders (NLT) has called for a concerted effort to increase compliance with liquor regulations and eliminate the illicit trade in alcohol, on the anniversary of the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy anniversary.
Last year 21 teenagers died in the East London tavern, while attending a “pens down” party.
The cause of death was reportedly ruled as a result of suffocation due to overcrowding, but preliminary toxicology results suggested the teenagers all had traces of methanol in their blood.
While over-consumption of alcohol and a possible stampede was ruled out as the cause of death, NLT Convener, Lucky Ntimane said the youngsters’ senseless deaths could have been prevented.
“One year on from that fateful night, the grieving families are still seeking answers. The direct cause of these senseless deaths has not been confirmed, but we know enough to take steps that will help to reduce the risks of something like this happening again.
It’s clear that teenagers should never have been allowed to enter the tavern in the first place, let alone be served alcohol.
The incident happened in the early hours of the morning, long after the license conditions of the tavern permitted it to operate.
Regardless of the official cause of death of the teenagers, the tragedy could have been avoided if the tavern operator had refused to serve them, and the establishment had closed when it was supposed to.”
The 21 teenagers were found collapsed all over the tavern on the morning of Sunday, 26 June 2022, the youngest was just 13-years old.
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