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‘Sorry we cannot sell you alcohol, you are too drunk’

‘Sorry we cannot sell you alcohol, you are too drunk’, alcohol consumers will be hearing this a lot in the future.

Trade and Industry minister Rob Davies has been given a go ahead by his cabinet to publish the new policy in the Government Gazzete for public comments.

The new National Liquor Policy proposal will, if accepted by the public, come into effect later this year.

One of the proposals in the National Liquor Policy is a law to stop retailers from serving alcohol to already intoxicated customers.

“Should that happen and the intoxicated person is involved in a motor accidents or crime related to substance abuse, the manufacturer, distributor and trader should bear liability for any harm or damages,” the policy states.

This basically means that the shebeen queens, bar owners and restaurants will be held liable if a drunk person that they served gets involved in an accident.

In addition to this, the government will regulate the availability of alcohol. The government will make sure, with the help of the police that alcohol is available only on certain days and between certain times.

Liquor licenses will also not be issued to liquor premises in close proximity to schools, churches, recreation facilities, public institution and homes. The allowed distance is 500m.

“If such a license is already issued it should be terminated within a period of two years. This can be reviewed through norms and standards as may be required,” reads the policy.

The policy also suggests that the minimum legal age for alcohol purchase and consumption be raised from 18 to 21 years.

Here are other points included in the policy:

- restriction of advertisement of the alcoholic beverages,

- prohibitions of sponsorship and promotion associated with alcoholic beverages,

- no liquor licenses shall be issued to petrol service stations; premises attached to petrol service stations; premises near public transport; and areas not classified for entertainment,

The DTI wants to introduce these new liquor regulations because of the rising level of alcohol abuse in the country.

According to the document, South Africans consume over 5 billion litres of alcohol a year.

Interested persons may submit written comments on the proposed National Liquor Policy, closing date for comments: 30 June 2015.

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