KZN liquor traders up in arms
Liquor licence fees have increased from R1 000 to a whopping R4 800.
THE KZN Liquor Forum has had it with the government’s monopolistic laws.
That was the common sentiment of liquor traders at a meeting in eSikhaleni last week to discuss the 2010 liquor law stipulations.
The stipulations include, among others, licence fees which have increased from R1 000 to a whopping R4 800, closing hours for taverns which were cut down from 4am to midnight, requirements for traders to be registered with SARS before they apply for liquor licences, fingerprint requirements for this purpose and that liquor can only be consumed at the place of purchase, thus removing the takeaway component.
The refusal of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Mike Mabuyakhulu, to meet with liquor traders and discuss their problems, was also an issue of annoyance.
‘All shops sell their goods as takeaways, so why discriminate against liquor traders by compelling their customers to only drink in- house? This is the direct cause of road accidents during weekends, as our customers find themselves forced to drink at the place where they buy alcohol until they are drunk. Many fathers are forced by this law to sit and drink at the taverns instead of spending quality time with their families,’ complained one trader.
Another called on liquor traders in the province to unite and speak with one voice and fight these ‘unjust laws aimed at destroying our businesses’.
They also complained about the mushrooming of shopping malls in the townships, with the big retail outlets allowed to sell alcohol, threatening the livelihoods of their small businesses.
The traders took a resolution to meet with the Liquor Board yesterday (Wednesday) with a list of grievances.
‘Like the taxi industry, perhaps it is time we also embark on a strike so the government can listen to our grievances. We are tired of being taken for granted by the lawmakers. Now is the time to fight,’ they said in unision.
