Public hearings on the draft Western Cape Liquor Amendment Bill start in Cape Town this Wednesday, 16 April 2014.
The first round of public hearings kick off at the City Hall in Cape Town at 09am.
Alan, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism encouraged residents, liquor consultants and licence holders to have their say on the 11 proposed amendments.
“With legislation, despite extensive public participation, some unintended consequences only come to light after full implementation. We are eager to address these issues with urgency to ensure the new Liquor Act roots out non-compliant legal liquor traders who are harming our communities. This draft bill came after consultation with several stakeholders and I’d like to encourage communities and businesses to contribute their insights to this amendment process,” said Minister Winde.
Minister Winde said the proposed amendments included clauses which have posed particular concern to residents and the industry.
“The Liquor Authority has received complaints from residents regarding the ‘150 litre clause’. This clause was originally inserted so that SAPS would have the power to prosecute non-legal outlets housing large amounts of liquor. They claimed to police the alcohol was for personal consumption, which was obviously not the case. Some have cited that the clause is not easily enforceable and is leading to unnecessary red tape. The clause states that a person may not possess more than 150 litres of alcohol without written permission from the Liquor Authority. The draft amendment Bill repeals this provision,” said Minister Winde.
Later this month public hearings will be held at the George Civic Centre (22 April) and the Diazville Community Centre in Saldanha (25 April 2014).
Minister Winde explained that following the public hearings the draft bill will be sent to Provincial Parliament for another round of public comment.
It will be sent to the Premier later this year before being published in the Provincial Gazette.
Copies of the draft bill are on the Western Cape Government website www.westerncape.gov.za
Comments must be submitted on or before 10 May 2014.
For further information contact madeleine.mitchell@westerncape.gov.za
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste, Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
