All levels of government, particularly those entrusted with the regulation of the liquor industry, should partner with liquor distributors to ensure that the industry is properly regulated. This was said by the Chief Director of the National Liquor Authority of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ms Thezi Mabuza. She was speaking at the liquor legislation compliance seminar which was hosted by the DTI in Cape Town today.
The purpose of the seminar was to increase compliance with the National Liquor Act by liquor manufacturers, distributors and retailers, and also to promote and inculcate responsibility to the mandatory conditions stipulated in their licenses.
More than hundred delegates comprising of liquor industry associations, macro manufacturers, South African Police Service and other government departments, attended the event.
"All concerned stakeholders must work with government to get rid of the negative perception that the industry current has. Let us not give people good reason to criticise the industry. Let us rather give people reasons to accept and support the liquor industry by embodying ethos of social responsibility," said Mabuza
She added that DTI would continue to support the industry by constantly engaging and providing relevant information to assist the industry to comply with their conditions of registration. She urged the industry to supply the relevant information especially when they renew their registration. The areas of shortcoming that she identified were the submission of zoning certificates, black economic empowerment status and employment plan. She emphasised that the role of the dti was responsible licensing and that proofs of jobs created or sustained should be indicated and as such cancellation of licenses happened when compliance was compromised and the registrant persistently failed to comply.
Thezi said the presence of the Cape Town Municipality and their presentation on the competency of the municipality regarding the land use regulations supported the call of the dti that licensing should be done in a responsible manner.
Head of Land Use Management at the Cape Town Municipality, Mr Gideon Brand emphasised the role of the municipality and that they will continue to enforce the regulation and by-laws that ensures that business is conducted in properly zoned areas and within reasonable trading hours.
Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use’s (ARA) Mr Adrian Botha said the association was deeply concerned by the high level of alcohol abuse in the country.
"The liquor policy must operate within a reasonable regulatory framework that creates a balance between the freedom of individuals and that of the well-beings of the society in general," said Botha.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Government and the liquor industry should work together to properly regulate the industry
