Fhedzisani Pandelani, chairman of the Gauteng Liquor Board, has stated that the board has not given permission or approval for the extension of liquor trading hours this weekend.
The request to have hours extended did not meet the conditions set out by the board and approval was therefore not granted.
He reminds residents that it is illegal to drink in public after 2am.
January 4, 10.43am
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has noted reports of the Gauteng Liquor Board’s agreement to the extension.
Thousands of people are expected to take advantage of these extended hours with the result that the AA has expressed their belief that additional traffic policing will be necessary to avoid alcohol related accidents over this period.
“Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Lebogang Maile is quoted as saying, the event is expected to contribute positively to the economy of the province, especially in the areas of tourism and hospitality,” states the AA.
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“I’m satisfied that there’s a legislative latitude to, albeit on a temporary basis, relax conditions and the trading regime applicable to all licensed ‘bona fide’ in-house traders who are in good standing with the Liquor Board, during the designated days,” says Maile.
The AA states that as the festive season holiday period begins to wind down and thousands of motorists from across South Africa make their way home, it’s critical to emphasise the importance of obeying road rules and observing good driver behaviour.
“We trust the decision to extend trading hours was made in consultation with road traffic authorities, as well as the Department of Transport nationally and in the province.
“The government knows that drinking and driving, as well as drinking and walking, remain major contributors to the festive season death toll and is aware of the risks associated with longer drinking times,” the AA says.
The AA further notes that at the beginning of the festive period, more than 2 500 drivers were stopped for drunk driving in the province.
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The association appeals to the government to ensure that along with the extended trading hours, the hours of law enforcers are also extended, to provide adequate policing to those on the road at this time, especially the innocent who are often the victims of drunk drivers.
“It makes sense that if the trading hours of liquor outlets are extended, government also provides the necessary enforcement framework to deal with any drivers who don’t follow the rules.
“It’s critical that during this time as much as possible is done to protect those who do (obey the law), but who become the victims of those who don’t,” the AA concludes.
