RESPONSIBLE TRADING
S N E E B E H S S P O T LEGISLATION S N E R D L I H C G N FROM EMPLOYI
A
ccording to a recent research report, released by Sustainable Livelihoods Consultants (SLC), which analysed and looked into more than the 265,000 shebeens currently in operation, it is estimated that between 165,000 and 250,000 children are involved in liquor-related work activities. This estimate is derived from interviews with shebeen traders, who revealed that children within their families are involved in the business from approximately the age of 12, with those children mainly performing chores and assisting with the business on an ad hoc basis. The study also found evidence that children are engaged, and are often financially rewarded for, carrying out, menial work to support shebeen operations. The study also found that children over 15 may be legally employed in selling liquor and other activities by licensed businesses, as permitted by provincial legislation. The study methodology involved a literature review, analysis of existing liquor legislation at both national and provincial levels, and field research conducted in the Western Cape, Eastern
Cape and Gauteng provinces. In obtaining primary evidence, SLC engaged with stakeholders from the Department of Labour, the liquor authorities, agencies involved with liquor law enforcement (SAPS), taverners and shebeen owners (illegal/unlicensed venues that sell liquor), industry representatives and civil society organisations.
educational development, by limiting their time and capacity for study. Most of all, the liquor trading environment may put the child at risk of physical and sexual abuse from drunken and disorderly clientele.
SLC recommended that no child under the age of 18 be employed in serving alcohol and activities related to serving alcohol in the “on-consumption” environment. Exemption should only SLC was contracted by the International be granted if he/she is engaged in a Labour Organisation Towards the formal programme of skills development Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child or training ; where their employment Labour Programme to undertake a rapid conforms to BCEA regulations and assessment study and define how many children were working in the making and occupational health and safety selling of liquor in South Africa. SLC was regulations pertaining to child labour. further contracted to disseminate the The study resulted in the amendment findings of the study to key stakeholders of the ethical code employed by the in the liquor industry and to participants South African Industry Association for in the government’s Child Labour Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA). The Programme of Action. ARA code is displayed in most licensed SLC noted that child labour in the liquor venues that sell liquor across the country. The amended code now says value chain has been under-reported. ‘Retail traders in alcohol beverages SLC also stated that children who work undertake to abide by that: “A minor in environments that sell or supply may not be employed in the sale or liquor face high risks to both their supply of alcohol beverages unless health and social development. These specifically exempt for the purposes environments increase their access of training as set out in National and to alcohol, while the work itself may Provincial legislation.” have negative consequences on their www.spotongmag.co.za
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