Owners and patrons of nightclubs and taverns in Polokwane, Limpopo, threw a fit when they heard ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula's call to ban alcohol sales on Sundays.

Those who Sowetan spoke to yesterday said Mbalula was "way off the mark" and his call was "mischievous". They accused him of trying to score "cheap political points" at their expense.

Mbalula said clubs and taverns should be banned from selling liquor on Sundays and that they should be forced to close up shop each day by 2am.

"The call made by Mbalula is mischievous - he does not give us ideas where to find the money we generate on Sundays," said a club owner, who wished to remain anonymous.

He said his licence allowed him to open his business on Sundays and on public holidays.

Another owner said: "I do not understand the fuss. Let people mind their own business."

And one miffed patron: "Look at any type of alcoholic beverage. Nowhere on it is it stipulated the days it should be drunk. Only age limits have been stipulated, so it's immaterial to start the issue now." - Frank Maponya