New ‘booze’ rules to come under fire
The public has until August 13 to object to the proposed changes to the national liquor policy.
Government recently released the details of proposed changes to the national liquor policy.
The changes are likely to negatively impact the sale of alcohol countrywide.
Restrictions are to be placed on the advertising of alcohol. Sponsorship by alcoholic brands is to be prohibited too. The financial impact on companies and sporting events will undoubtedly be astronomical.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) told the media alcohol abuse is on the rise in South Africa. The aftermath of this ranges from conflict among family members, violence, crime and alcohol-related diseases, sexual assault, high-risk sexual behaviour and road accidents.
What’s the stats?
According to the DTI, alcohol is available at about 230 000 outlets nationwide.
A report by the Medical Research Council, South Africans consume an estimated five billion litres of alcoholic beverages every year.
The DTI cited the World Health Organisation, which claimed the cost of alcohol abuse in South Africa is about R19,1-billion.
“The challenges identified (in the proposals) were a result of a combination between the manner in which the liquor industry conducts itself, societal behaviour towards liquor and a possible lax on the current liquor regulatory framework to address the challenges faced,” the department said.
The proposals include:
- Raising the legal limit to buy and consume alcohol from 18 to 21 years of age.
- Preventing liquor sales from any outlet which is within 500 metres of a school, place of worship, recreation facilities, rehabilitation or treatment centres, residential areas and public institutions.
- The proposals also suggest that no liquor licenses will be issued to petrol service stations, premises attached to petrol service stations or premises near public transport.
- Existing liquor licence holders who operate one of these outlets can expect to lose that licence within the next 2 years.
- Standardisation of opening hours throughout the country to control access to liquor.
- A call to restrict the advertising of alcoholic beverages, prohibiting sponsorship and promotion associated with alcoholic beverages. These restrictions would be determined by the Minister of Trade and Industry.
- Proposal to make manufacturers and distributors of alcohol responsible and liable for damages and harm caused if a person drinks to excess and is then involved in a car accident or a crime.
- Proposal that a government-managed fund responsible for combating alcohol abuse be established.
- Proposal for transformation in the “predominantly white-owned” industry, specifically in terms of BEE and the adoption of the amended BBBEE Codes of Good Practice.
The proposals are currently open for public consultation. The deadline for objections were recently extended to August 13, 2015.
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