Liquor License
stry u nd I or u q i L
n o i t a l u g e R n e e b The Draft She
Albert Moletsana enjoys his beer at a local shebeen
M
embers of the Gauteng Liquor Forum (GLF) made an appeal to the MEC of Economic Development, Nkosiphendule Kolisile, to put a moratorium on raiding of illegal shebeens in an effort to give operators a time to apply for Shebeen Licenses. This was part of GFL comment on a Draft Regulation on Shebeen License, which was published for public comment on 5 October 2012. The GLF said their input should be viewed in a positive light and as a genuine endeavour to create sound and workable regulations. The draft Regulations provide for an option of on-consumption and an off-consumption licence but the GLF made an appeal to the Liquor Board to take “serious” consideration about creating a third category for on-and-offconsumption. The provision on trading hours has been a sore issue for the GLF because some of their members
said lesser hours would put them at a disadvantage when compared to taverns that have extended operating hours. In its submission, the South African Brewery (SAB) said it welcomes the approach adopted by the Gauteng Liquor Authority with respect to the licensing of valid Shebeen Permit Holders, the diversity of ownership in the liquor industry with regards to on- and off-consumption, and the development of an ethos of social responsibility in the liquor industry. SAB welcomed the removal of the limits and restrictions of the quantity, type and volume of liquor able to be sold per week. “We kindly request though, that the removal of these limits be clearly articulated in this regulation and that any conditions able to be imposed on the licenses by the Gauteng Liquor Authority cannot include a restriction on the quality, type and volume of liquor
able to be sold. This will furthermore allow for Shebeen Licensees to be treated in the same light as taverners to ensure a concept of fair trade.” Furthermore, SAB agreed that the powers conferred on inspectors in terms of the Act, must apply to Shebeen Licensees to ensure uniformity and that all liquor traders are treated equally. With regard to the trading hours, both SAB and GLF recommend that trading hours be amended to be in line with those for licensed outlets which from Sundays to Thursdays is 10h00 – 22h00 and Fridays – Saturdays, including public holidays, is 10h00 – 02h00. SAB said it was committed to partner with the Gauteng liquor Authority in its continued efforts to normalise the liquor industry in the province, and remains committed to promoting responsible alcohol use and the eradication of irresponsible drinking. www.spotongmag.co.za
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