industry regulation
25 October 2006
Gauteng liquor traders associations yesterday committed themselves to
working with government towards the goal of creating a better and more
efficient regulatory framework for the liquor industry.
This was the outcome of the Liquor Indaba hosted by the Department of
Economic Development at the Turffontein Race course in Johannesburg yesterday.
Addressing the Indaba, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs, Paul
Mashatile, said it was in the interest of all stakeholders to ensure that the
liquor industry is properly regulated. �We do not want a situation where liquor
is sold to school kids or next to places of worship.�
Mashatile said that by regulating the liquor industry government was not
intending to make life difficult for liquor traders. �It would not make sense
for us to come up with regulations that would make it difficult for you as
liquor traders to do business within a regulated environment,� he said.
Responding to questions Mashatile said there is a need to develop a better
understanding between government and liquor traders as one of the key role
players in the industry. He encouraged traders to take advantage of the
opportunities provided by the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. �Come 2010,
your outlets need to be in a position to host some of the visitors who would
have come to our country to watch the soccer,� he said.
Mashatile also urged the associations to contribute in the drafting of the
provincial liquor industry policy, which will provide a framework for the
Gauteng Liquor Act.
Some of the issues discussed at the indaba include the following:
* permits for liquor traders in hostels, flats and informal
settlements
* government support to small business in the liquor industry
* deadline for liquor permit renewals
* compliance and enforcement with the GautengLiquor Act
* new draft provincial liquor policy
* rezoning laws for liquor traders
* building the capacity of liquor traders' associations
* improving public safety and consumer choice.
For more information contact:
Percy Mthimkhulu
Spokesperson: Department of Economic Development
Cell: 082 379 1913
Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Gauteng Provincial
Government
25 October 2006
