KZN Liquor Authority conducts study in Amanzimtoti
The study seeks to streamline licensing processes, reduce red tape, and enhance revenue collection for the province.
A SESSION of a study to assess the feasibility and socio-economic effects of implementing the newly proposed Provincial Liquor Financial Model was held at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre on March 13.
Also read: Amanzimtoti to host public consultation on Liquor Licensing Bill
The KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, and the Moses Kotane Research Institute are collaborating on this study to engage with liquor traders and listen to their opinions on the proposed model. The Liquor Licensing Financial Model is envisaged to maximise revenue collection for the provincial government while reducing the red tape to enable liquor traders to be assisted efficiently by turning the turnaround time in processing licence applications and other queries.
KZN Liquor Authority’s acting CEO, Bheki Mbanjwa, said they were in Amanzimtoti to gauge whether the model will ensure balanced, fair, and equitable annual licence renewal fees for both large and small establishments.
“The findings of this study will enable the government, decision-makers, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders to make informed decisions on the practical implementation of the proposed financial model based on turnover,” said Mbanjwa.
Some of the traders present spoke of the difficulties they face when applying for licences as the current turnaround time was long. Pretty Mkhize complained about sellers of illicit alcohol who never get prosecuted.
“How is the government hoping to collect more revenue through tax when some people freely sell alcohol without permits? We pay for our licences and we are taxed. That is one area all relevant bodies need to look at before implementing any financial model,” said Mkhize.
Mbanjwa denounced illicit alcohol trading and promised that KZNERA would work with law enforcement to fight it.
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