EC Liqour Board warns against planned pens down parties

The EC provincial liquor regulator also urged parents to be vigilant of their children’s behaviour and actions in hosting pens down parties.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has warned learners against hosting pens down parties as the final exams comes to an end.

The provincial liquor regulator also urged parents to be vigilant of their children’s behaviour and actions. The board says it received a number of tip offs for planned pens down parties across the province this coming weekend.

Spokesperson, Mgwebi Msiya, has also warned liquor establishments against hosting these parties and says if any establishment is found responsible, action will be taken.

“All the received tip offs have promptly been referred to the law enforcements so they can take urgent action to stop them. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor their children’s activities and movements and report any suspicious gatherings. Eastern Cape Liqour Board further urges liqour traders in the province to refrain from hosting these parties in their premises, and where a liquor trader is found hosting these parties, a drastic action will be certainly taken.”

MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, says there will be zero tolerance for such events. Spokesperson for MEC, Makhaya Komisi, says the province is cautious not to have the repeat of the Enyobeni tragic incident.

“MEC Nqatha has directed the police to monitor all the hotspots and strongly advise against the hosting of pens down parties as the province does not want to see another tragic incident like the one that occured at Enyobeni Tavern in the province.”

🔁#NoPensDown| Parents, caregivers, and families: your guidance remains essential even after the exam scripts are handed in. Be present in your children’s plans for the days ahead, helping them choose safe, organised spaces to celebrate and steering them away from risky,… pic.twitter.com/gadipkjKgk

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 19, 2025