Public input will affect Sunday ban on liquor
FMCG SUPPLIER NEWS
IOL News - Mar 20th, 14:08
Johannesburg - The Gauteng Economic Development Department says it will follow popular will on the proposed total ban on the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, MEC for Economic Development, Nkosiphendule Kolisile, said the board would be meeting to finalise recommendations on the bill.
He would give the final decision either at the end of the month or early next month.
“We will not march forward with proposals that are against the popular will of the people,” said Kolisile.
The bill came under fire when it was first introduced last year, with consumers and traders voicing their outrage.
According to the proposal, restricted hours on weekdays would see sorghum beer traders operate between 10am and 10pm, while off-consumption licensees such as bottlestores could open between 10am and 8pm.
Taverns, shebeens, pubs, licensed restaurants and sports facilities could trade between 10am and 2am.
But, with the looming threat of the ban of Sunday liquor sales, it meant that not only would big business lose out on significant revenue, but it would also hit hard the pockets of small businesses, especially in the townships.
Kolisile acknowledged that there were some families that relied on the sale of liquor for their livelihood, especially in the townships and informal settlements.
The department had received 122 submissions from retailers, hotels, restaurants and community organisations since initiating a month-long public consultation process.
Kolisile said the public had raised stern objections to certain aspects of the regulations, particularly on the proposal to prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays.
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