THE draft Gauteng Liquor Bill of 2012, released yesterday and awaiting public comment, would prohibit the sale of alcohol to pregnant women, the DA said.

Liquor traders are already in support of the move.

"Pregnant women in this province are in for a surprise next time they stop off to buy a bottle of champagne," spokesman Gavin Lewis said in a statement.

According to section 53(1) of the draft legislation, a licensed trader would not be allowed to sell, supply or give alcohol to minors, anyone wearing a school uniform, anyone who "reasonably appears to be intoxicated", or pregnant women.

"Actuated no doubt by the real concerns around foetal alcohol syndrome, this provision is likely to have all sorts of unanticipated consequences in the law courts," Lewis said.

These included possible conflict with the constitution and gender equity regulations, he said.

According to the draft legislation, a licence application must be accompanied by the "broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) or black economic empowerment status of the applicant, indicating the shareholding, member's interest or partnership structure of the applicant".

Section 17(1) states that the MEC may issue regulations directing that all applicants must meet a certain BBBEE status within a determined period.

Lewis said the BEE provisions in the bill could add to the burden of small businesses, who would likely find it more difficult to implement than big industries.

Despite these concerns, Lewis said the bill did indicate "a real desire to clamp down on substance abuse" and tighten the responsibilities of liquor outlets.

Saint Madlala, president of the South African Liquor Traders Association, said: "We support the move to prohibit sale to pregnant women. The reason is fetal alcohol syndrome which victimises unborn children. they are also mentally retarded. We would not encourage that.

"Children that are unborn also have rights to be born normal [healthy]."