New Eastern Cape Liquor Act Proposed

Eastern Cape Liquor Act -  The Eastern Cape Provincial Government recently gave notice of its intention to introduce  a new Eastern Cape Liquor Act.  Fourteen (14) months ago, extensive amendments to the current Eastern Cape Liquor Act was published.   Why not proceed to implement the amendments?  It seems that the provincial government thinks it will be easier to replace the current Liquor Act in total, instead of implementing the amendments of July 2015. Comment can be submitted on or before 8 November 2016 – allowing only 14 days to comment.

The highlights are summarised below.  Contact Us if you need information or advice on the proposed new Eastern Cape Liquor Act. 

1. There are definite links between National and Provincial Legislation – numerous definitions follow the definitions contained in the National Liquor Act.

2. It provides for a system of delegated powers to allow officials to exercise functions of the CEO

3. Creates 7 categories of licences

4. Creates a threshold above which no liquor may be sold

5. Introduces new licensing criteria

6. New supporting documents required

7. No automatic renewal

8. New fines / prison sentences.