Liquor laws may get tougher
Bottle store owners may soon be required to provide free water and condoms to their patrons.
The Department of Trade and Industry published the National Liquor Norms and Standards for public comment this month.
It also proposes that anybody who buys more than 25 litres of alcohol must provide their names, contact numbers, address and reasons why they are buying such a large amount of liquor.
Traders will also not be allowed to sell alcohol to anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
Bottle store owners may soon be required to provide free water and condoms to their patrons.
People were advised to submit their comments to the department before January 4 but the deadline is extended until the end of January.
The possible change of the liquor laws has not been pleasantly received by some.
President of the South African Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality, Churchill Mrasi, said it will put local liquor stores in the townships out of business.
“People in the townships are at work during the week and on weekends they relax and need to have a drink.
“There are several other consequences for bottle store owners if this Bill is passed,” he said.
Director of liquor law, Danie Cronje, said liquor licenses are not transferable which means if you take over an existing business you cannot take over the license.
“You have to apply for a new one and that means for a certain period of time you will not be able to trade in liquor,” he said.
The department’s McDonald Netshitenze said: “We need to have norms and standards that are applicable to all nine provinces,” he said.
Netshitenze said business owners have to take responsibility.
“Liquor is very dangerous to the health of the people.
“When you are dealing with those risky substances, the responsibility should be on you to alleviate the problem.
“You have to give water because when you drink liquor with water, it helps you not to get drunk quickly,” he said.
Netshitenze said they are also trying to be active in the fight against HIV/Aids by asking traders to supply patrons with condoms.
“You also need to have condoms because the moment some people become excited, sexual activity may arise.
“We urge families to ensure that they provide food, water and condoms to those who drink at home,” he said.
