Liquor Ads Law causes tension between Ministers

Liquor law -  Ministers Fikile Mbalula (Sport) and Bathabile (Social Development) are on opposing sides over the law proposing that alcohol advertising be banned.   National treasury and cabinet tried to end the ministerial deadlock, but to no avail.   Mbalula argued that more than R500m in sport sponsorship will be lost, but Bathabile said the cost which can be contributed to alcohol-related ills amounted to  much more.   It is understood that the departments of social development, health, education, justice, police and trade and industry support the law and want it passed urgently.    National treasury remains a key player, as it somehow has to find revenue to replace the advertising revenue which will be lost.     

(Article by [email protected], edited by LiquorWise)

Liquor licence holders in KZN may have to relocate

Liquor law -   Liquor licence holders in KZN with premises within 500m from schools and religious institutions may be asked to relocate.   This was one of two options open to liquor licence holders, according to KZN MEC for economic development, Mike Mabuyakhulu, when asked about the impact of the new KZN liquor act about to be implemented.   The other was to limit current trading hours to hours when schools and religious institutions are closed.   The new liquor act determines that no alcohol products may be sold within 500m from schools and religious institutions.   

We expect licence holders to kick in their heels if asked to limit their current trading hours and even more so if asked to relocate.

(Article by Bheki Mbanja, edited by LiquorWise)

KZN allows Sunday liquor sales

Liquor law -  Liquor retailers in KZN will now be able to sell liquor on Sundays.   This is the result of the KZN Liquor Amendment Bill having been passed on 29 August.  The new Liquor Act will be implemented on a date published in the provincial gazette.  According to the KZN Liquor Authority, this may take another 2 months.    Liquor stores will be the biggest beneficiaries, as clients who have been buying illegally from mostly unlicensed outlets are expected to return.    Some liquor stores have gone as far as selling via the back doors of their respective premises, citing survival as the main reason.  

(Article by NCE Mkhize, edited by LiquorWise)