-he call by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) to stop the selling of liquor on Sundays must not be ridiculed for cheap and populist political scores, the Young Communist League (YCL) said yesterday.

-he call by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) to stop the selling of liquor on Sundays must not be ridiculed for cheap and populist political scores, the Young Communist League (YCL) said yesterday.

"We see the call by the ANCYL as an opportunity for public engagement.

"Our approach is beyond the banning of liquor selling - we need to engage the youth on their behavioural patterns and a change of their lifestyle," said national secretary Buti Manamela.

He said promoting healthy lifestyles would help to keep the youth away from the reckless and irresponsible selling and consumption of liquor.

The YCL believes that a structured national dialogue would provide a strategic opportunity to solicit an informed approach in dealing with the reckless and irresponsible selling and consumption of liquor by youths.

"The YCL will approach the ANCYL and the South African Liquor Traders Association to convene a national summit, which will include various stakeholders to discuss critical issues."

The ANCYL on Monday proposed a ban on Sunday liquor sales as part of the fight against drug and substance abuse among youths. - Sapa