A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FEMALE LIQUOR INSPECTOR

There are countless career fields known to be male dominated, and the Liquor Inspector is no exception. To commemorate Women's Month in August 2021 the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) pays tribute to the female Inspectors in its ranks.

These women continue to overcome the gender barrier in law enforcement daily, despite unspoken social constraints encountered along the way. It is important to share their experience of forging lasting, reputable careers as women in law enforcement.

The Liquor Inspectors of the WCLA perform an essential role in monitoring and enforcing compliance of licensed premises in the province according to the provisions of the Western Cape Liquor Act. All while driving alcohol harms reduction and creating safer communities for residents living in the Western Cape.

From 1 April 2021 until 18 August 2021, eight female Liquor Inspectors conducted 330 routine inspections across various district municipalities. In addition, they participated in 99 integrated operations. These joint operations with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local Law Enforcement are essential in strengthening relations between relevant agencies working side by side to ensure responsible trading by licence holders.

The two women profiled in this feature share more than 13 years of experience working as Liquor Inspectors and they have seen it all. Due to the nature of enforcement and the safety of our inspectors, all identification has been removed from this article. However, the information they have shared is accurate and relevant, while being their own opinion and not that of the WCLA.

Read the full article, including an interview with these two Inspectors, by clicking the PDF file below...