Booze law fortnight extension

31 Oct 2016

The Department of Trade and Industry has extended the deadline for submissions on amendments to the National Liquor Act after requests from traders and producers. But some alcohol trader associations say the two-week extension should be longer.

President of Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders' Association Oupa Mthombeni said the body had asked the DTI to extend the deadline to three months, but had received no response.

"We have not submitted because the time they gave us is very short. We still need to consult properly with our members and traders," Mthombeni said.

The initial deadline for written submissions was set for today, but it has now been extended to 14 November.

The proposed amendments say that liquor outlets cannot be within 500m of schools and rehabilitation centres.

The amendments propose that the legal drinking age be raised from 18 to 21.

Department spokesman Sidwell Medupe confirmed the extension, saying the department was still receiving submissions.

"There will be face-to-face consultation with stakeholders and the public aimed at soliciting input until 15 December. The deadline will not be extended post this date," Medupe said.

SA Liquor Brand Association CEO Kurt Moore said the body would raise concerns about the zoning clause.

"Such a law could have a significant effect on employment in a country that needs to boost employment," Moore said.

Source: The Times

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