New-look liquor bill for Gauteng

2003-04-11 09:55

Johannesburg - Gauteng finance and economic affairs MEC Jabu Moleketi introduced a new liquor bill for the province on Thursday to address what he called the socio-economic consequences of alcohol in society.

"It must be stated from the outset that I recognise the economic benefits of the liquor industry," Moleketi told the provincial legislature in Johannesburg.

However, it had also contributed to social breakdown, family violence, alcohol-related diseases, crime and accidents.

"The Gauteng Liquor Bill 2002 aims to encourage and support the industry, and to manage and reduce the socio-economic and other costs of excessive alcohol consumption," said Moleketi.

The new bill would introduce self-regulation, promote the entry of new players into the industry, take steps against those who operated outside the law and consider community concerns on the licensing of premises.

It also would correct the inequities of discrimination through empowerment of the previously disadvantaged sections of society, and create jobs and economic growth.

A process of public participation

"The bill is intended to provide a framework for the regulation of the sale and supply of liquor in Gauteng in a comprehensive manner.

"It will control the sale and supply of liquor through the establishment of the Gauteng Liquor Board and local committees," the MEC explained.

"Local committees of the board will process all applications for liquor licences through a process of public participation.

"This will allow communities to have a crucial input into the number of liquor outlets in the surrounding areas. Liquor outlets will not be allowed near schools and places of worship."

The bill also provided for the establishment of a Liquor Traders Association as an umbrella body to which all existing associations, applicants and licensees had to belong.

"It introduces the important concept of self-regulation to the liquor industry. This is a far cry from present perceptions of lawlessness in the industry.

"The Liquor Traders Association will act in the best interest of the communities by disciplining their members when they transgress."

The bill would also establish an inspectorate to ensure compliance.

The MEC said the bill, once passed into law, would bring certainty and stability into an industry that seemed to be chaotic at times.

It would also complement the national liquor bill which was tabled in parliament on Wednesday.

- SAPA