Amendments to the Liquor Act proposed

During a media briefing in parliament last Monday, Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies proposed amendments to the National Liquor Act of 2003, which among others, will raise the legal drinking age to 21 years.

The Liquor Amendment Bill was issued with the aim to reduce negative incidents relating to alcohol consumption and is currently open for public comment until October 30.

According to the minister, South Africa has the highest level of alcohol consumption in the world at 10% to 12%, compared to the world average of 6%.

Read: Are South Africans at risk of having an ‘alcohol problem’?

Alcohol is responsible for countless injuries and a staggering amount of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome cases which costs the government R3.7-million annually, he says.

Anita Greeff, general manager at the Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce and Industry says there is nothing wrong with current legislation and that the proposed amendments will make no difference to the trade at all.

“They keep on changing laws and legislation with no consequences,” says Greeff.

Springbok Liquor Warehouse manager Paul Potgieter thinks there is merit in the proposal but says that their customers won’t be happy if the law changed.

“It might even cause a protest to change the drinking age back to 18,” he says.

Read: Alcohol unsafe during pregnancy

Potgieter suggests that the government turn its attention to more serious issues such as drugs, as alcohol is a natural element of leaving school, starting a job and socialising with friends.

Other amendments to the bill include limitations on advertising and restrictions on tradings days and hours for the manufacturing and distribution of alcohol.

In a press release Davies urges the public to actively engage with the issues being raised due to its significance to society.

The National Gambling Amendment Bill was issued on the same day and will be open for public comment until November 15.

Access the Liquor Amendment Bill here.

Access the Gambling Amendment Bill here.

Facebook comments:

Marko Miladinovic: “We cannot even enforce the basic laws of the country but want to have more. Wow!”

Amanda Stander: “Excellent plan. Also wondering how it will be implemented though, seeing as high school kids somehow even get access to alcohol. Might not solve the problem but it will definitely make a dent. Also may reduce some road fatalities.”

Cherise Loock: “Yes. 18-year-olds are irresponsible and are taking lives of innocent people while under the influence.”

Gerhard Brits: “Drugs are illegal for any age, but it is out of control and have opened even more doors to corruption for law enforcers. You want to open another door for corruption.”

Violet Erasmus Taljaard: “They will get others to buy it for them. It won’t stop them from drinking.”

Meredith Pollock: “While it may seem like a good idea on the surface, it’s not going to stop underage drinking just like warnings on cigarette packs didn’t stop people from smoking. Unfortunately there are also some irresponsible parents, relatives or friends who will just buy it for them. Remember the more you tell someone not to do something the more they will do it. This could have a reverse effect and cause even more youngsters to drink just to prove a point. That is my opinion anyway.”

Thumberland Darlington Chabalala: “But 14-year-old children have access to alcohol.”

Traci van Dyk: “Brilliant idea. There will be less fighting, less car accidents, and less teenage pregnancies.”

WhatsApp comments:

Talitha Jansen van Vuuren: “Yes, yes, yes!”

Sarie van Niekerk: “That’s a very good idea. I will support it.”

Lynne Sutton: “Oh yes. It’s fantastic. I will support the proposal.”

Franci Swanepoel: “I think it’s a very good thing! Too many young lives get lost as a result of drinking and driving. And yes, I would fully support the proposal.

Mike Adendorff: “Die drank eienaars gee nie om hoe oud is die koper nie. Vir hulle gaan dit oor besigheid, so dit sal nie help om die ouderdom te skuif nie. Daar is altyd ‘n loophole.”