LISTEN: Limpopo High Court postpones Liquor Act interdict hearing
The postponement follows the filing of additional documents by the EFF in the Capricorn Region to the original court interdict.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division postponed the hearing regarding an interdict for the Limpopo Liquor Act to August 18.
The postponement follows the filing of additional documents to the original court interdict by the Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association (SKLTA) by the EFF in the Capricorn Region.
While the court accepted the EFF’s documents during their first appearance today, it said it would require time to process it.
Termed the Midnight Law, the new law was implemented on August 1 and will among others, serve as a curfew for liquor traders across the province.
Citing reasons for the implementation of the Act, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) MEC said the consumption of liquor has proved to be a causative factor in terms of community instability, and violence and abuse in homes across the province.
Among other regulations, the Act will dissolve parts of the national Liquor Act of 1989, which permits the sale of liquor up to 02:00 weekly by shortening this period to 00:00. In addition, licence fee renewals will cost traders R750 instead of the current R100.
Read more: Lim Liquor Act’s Midnight Law gets backlash from industry
The reduction of trading hours in the sale of alcohol was met with resistance from different groups who say it exists to cripple their economic means.
Various performing artists, organised under the Limpopo Artists Movement, joined the proceedings in solidarity with the association.
The SKLTA chairperson Lipi Legodi said the Act was unfair while the EFF’s Collen Malatjie said they found that it sidelined sufficient public participation as outlined in their application to court.
Legodi and other liquor traders said there was not enough explanation during public commentary about the aspect of reduced trading hours.
Despite this, Legodi said they will operate according to the previous act permitting trade until 02:00 until there’s a ruling from court.
Community member and ANC member, Boy Mamabolo said he stood in support of the association.
“This Act will cost people their jobs in a province with a very high unemployment rate. We believe Polokwane should be known for its night life, much like Cape Town and other cities as we know that significantly boosts the local economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ledet spokesperson Zaid Kalla, who attended the proceedings, said until a court ruling is made, the Act remains.
