POLOKWANE – With the expiration of current national liquor licences just over a month away, sellers are expected to obtain new provincial licences by the August 1 deadline.

Last year, widespread dissatisfaction erupted in the province as sellers and artists learned about the new law.

Read more: New law will prevent liquor trading after midnight in Limpopo

The Department of Economic Development insisted the law, created in consultation with stakeholders and the public, would take effect a few months later.

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In response, the EFF and Liquor Associations organised a legal challenge against the Limpopo Liquor Act of 2005 at the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.

The court dismissed an urgent application by the Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association to suspend the Act. Subsequently, the department extended the conversion deadline, citing the affected parties’ concerns about inadequate public participation in the amendment process.

A major point of contention in the amendment was the reduction of operating hours from 02:00 to midnight, which stakeholders argued would hurt their income.

“The majority of liquor traders have already converted their licences. It was also reported at the roadshow that communities from various policing areas are now in charge of ensuring all liquor traders comply with trading hours and other regulations. The police also emphasised that come August 1, they will enforce the law without fear or favour,” the department’s statement read.