Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has once again extended the deadline for submissions on the Draft Liquor Amendment Bill (DLAB)‚ this time to 30 November 2016.
This is after the department received a backlash from stakeholders in the industry for the strict amendments.
The initial deadline for written submission was 31 October. It was then extended to 14 November. Upon a request by the Democratic Alliance Shadow Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Dean Macpherson‚ the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has now extended the deadline to 30 November.
Macpherson said‚ “Not only are there countless jobs at risk if the amendments to the DLAB are enacted but it also threatens to worsen the negative social effects caused by the abuse of alcohol“.
The proposed amendments include that the distance of outlets be beyond 500 metres from schools‚ rehab centres and other sensitive locations; banning the sale of wine at grocery stores and disallowing distribution of alcohol at petrol stations and premises near petrol stations or public transport stops.
The amendments also propose that the legal drinking age be increased from 18 to 21.
DTI spokesman Sidwell Medupe said the extension‚ “will give all stakeholders an opportunity to provide valuable input following the consultative sessions“.
The South African Liquor Traders Association (SALTA)‚ the National Tourism Hospitality Association (NTHA) and the Gauteng Liquor Forum (GLF) last week released a statement claiming that 93% of small business owners in townships expect the tougher liquor and tobacco laws to damage their businesses and 95% say additional red tape would force them to shelve any plans for expansion.
SALTA President Mish Hlophe said‚ “While every South African is feeling the pressure of a challenging political and economic climate‚ none are feeling the pressure more than the over one million small business owners that are trying to make an honest living in our townships“.
“By adding laws that are not feasible or workable in the township environment‚ the Ministers of Trade and Industry and Health are pushing us into crisis.” — TMG Digital
Liquor bill submissions deadline extended again
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has once again extended the deadline for submissions on the Draft Liquor Amendment Bill (DLAB)‚ this time to 30 November 2016.
This is after the department received a backlash from stakeholders in the industry for the strict amendments.
The initial deadline for written submission was 31 October. It was then extended to 14 November. Upon a request by the Democratic Alliance Shadow Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Dean Macpherson‚ the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has now extended the deadline to 30 November.
Macpherson said‚ “Not only are there countless jobs at risk if the amendments to the DLAB are enacted but it also threatens to worsen the negative social effects caused by the abuse of alcohol“.
The proposed amendments include that the distance of outlets be beyond 500 metres from schools‚ rehab centres and other sensitive locations; banning the sale of wine at grocery stores and disallowing distribution of alcohol at petrol stations and premises near petrol stations or public transport stops.
The amendments also propose that the legal drinking age be increased from 18 to 21.
DTI spokesman Sidwell Medupe said the extension‚ “will give all stakeholders an opportunity to provide valuable input following the consultative sessions“.
The South African Liquor Traders Association (SALTA)‚ the National Tourism Hospitality Association (NTHA) and the Gauteng Liquor Forum (GLF) last week released a statement claiming that 93% of small business owners in townships expect the tougher liquor and tobacco laws to damage their businesses and 95% say additional red tape would force them to shelve any plans for expansion.
SALTA President Mish Hlophe said‚ “While every South African is feeling the pressure of a challenging political and economic climate‚ none are feeling the pressure more than the over one million small business owners that are trying to make an honest living in our townships“.
“By adding laws that are not feasible or workable in the township environment‚ the Ministers of Trade and Industry and Health are pushing us into crisis.” — TMG Digital
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