The Eastern Cape Liquor Board says it has met with the Enyobeni Tavern owner who allowed under age teens to drink alcohol on his property which resulted in the death of 21 teenagers
On Sunday, forensic pathologists said initial results indicate that all the 21 young people between the ages of 13 and 20 who died at the party in Scenery Park in East London had inhaled something that led to their deaths.
News of the deaths have sent shock waves across the country with many South Africans questioning the appropriateness of allowing under age kids to partake in a drinking spree with many saying, the tavern owner who is reported to be a foreign national should be held to account.
Speaking The Star spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Mgwebi Msiya confirmed that the board which sent a statement condemning the incident on Sunday said it had finally met with the owner of the tavern on Monday.
"Yes the board met the owner today to serve her with the notice instructing her to stop trading with immediate effect. The licence has been suspended in line with our legislation so that the Board and the Municipality can undertake further investigations. The board will make a determination after all the investigations and other relevant processes have been undertaken whether to reinstate or revoke the liquor licence," Msiya said.
Ahead of the meeting, the board said it condemned the selling of alcohol to under age children adding that steps were being taken to deal with the matter.
The board has also learnt with shock that some of the deceased are school-going children and under the age of 18.
“ The Board condemns this repugnant incident with the strongest possible terms. As the board, we have always been forthright in our condemnation and fight against the sale of alcohol to underage," the board's CEO, Dr Nombuyiselo Makala said.
According to witnesses, it was believed that the cause of death was due to a stampede which was later ruled out by pathologists after the tavern was reported to have been packed to the rafters ahead of the accident as teens gathered to celebrate a popular DJ's birthday as well as the dropping of masks and end of term examinations.