Public hearing on Liquor Amendment Bill
The first round of public hearings on the Western Cape Liquor Amendment Bill kicked off in Cape Town.
Georgians will have the chance to have their say about the amendment bill on Tuesday 22 April at 09:00, when a public hearing will be held in the George Civic Centre.
The first hearing was yesterday, Wednesday 16 April. Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde encouraged residents, liquor consultants and licence holders to have their say on the 11 proposed amendments.
“With legislation, despite extensive public participation, some unintended consequences only come to light after full implementation. We are eager to address these issues with urgency to ensure the new Liquor Act roots out non-compliant legal liquor traders who are harming our communities. This draft bill came after consultation with several stakeholders and I’d like to encourage communities and businesses to contribute their insights to this amendment process,” said Winde.
Juan Barnard, the liaison officer of the George Bottle Store Association (GBSA), said they will definitely do an in-depth study into the amendment bill. “We as members of the GBSA will make use of the chance to raise our concerns at the public hearing.”
Minister Winde said the proposed amendments included clauses that have posed particular concern to residents and the industry. “The Liquor Authority has received complaints from residents regarding the ‘150-litre clause’.
“This clause was originally inserted so that the South African Police Service (SAPS) would have the power to prosecute non-legal outlets housing large amounts of liquor. They claimed the alcohol was for personal consumption, which was obviously not the case. Some have cited that the clause is not easily enforceable and is leading to unnecessary red tape.”
The clause states that a person may not possess more than 150-litres of alcohol without written permission from the Liquor Authority. The draft amendment bill repeals this provision. Winde explained that, following the public hearings, the draft bill will be sent to Provincial Parliament for another round of public comment. “It will be sent to the premier later this year before being published in the Provincial Gazette.
Copies of the draft bill are on the Western Cape Government website www.westerncape.gov.za.
Comments must be submitted on or before Saturday 10 May.