An Integrated Policy Framework that will be streamlined to all spheres of government is vital in sustaining and growing the liquor industry in South Africa. This was said by the Chief Director of National Liquor Authority at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) Ms Thezi Mabuza. She was speaking at the two day Liquor Regulators Conference held in Limpopo.
"We also need to develop a cooperative and integrated regulatory framework that promotes a sustainable and responsible liquor industry that will contribute positively and in a matured manner to those issues we all need solutions to," said Mabuza.
She added that the liquor industry was estimated to have contributed R93.2 billion to the South African economy in 2009/10 which was at 3.9% of 2009 Gross Domestic Products.
Mabuza also told the gathering that the landscape of the liquor industry has not changed in the past ten years in relations to capital and ownership, and the Informal sector is still occupied by the historically disadvantaged individuals.
The South African Liquor Traders Association (SALTA) representative Mr Ben Mdebuka speaking on behalf of retailers said regulation and licensing procedure must be streamlined in such a way that authorities speak with one voice and also that the consultation process must include the recognised industry association.
"Legislation needs to strike a balance between the needs of players in the industry to ensure that there is healthy competition. Self-regulation must be promoted by the act to promote development and responsible trading through recognised Liquor Traders Association," said Mdebuka.
The objectives of the Liquor Regulators Conference amongst others are to share knowledge and best practices on liquor regulation, understand the role of different departments in liquor regulations and develop an ideal model for the synchronisation of liquor regulation to ease regulatory burden.
The conference is attended by representatives of the liquor authorities, policy makers, municipalities, research institutions, enforcement agencies and other national government departments.
Department of Trade and Industry administers the Liquor Act No. 59 of 2003 through the National Liquor Authority (NLA), a national entity within the department.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele, Acting Chief Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 394 1643
Cell: 079 5083 457
E-mail: Blukhele@thedti.gov.za
