Government clamps down on unlicensed liquor sellers

Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies, is clamping down on unlicensed liquor sellers with the Final National Liquor Policy, which has been submitted for public comment. The new laws will hold unlicensed liquor sellers responsible for drunk people who comment offences in and around these premises and shebeens.

“Liability for manufacturers and suppliers should be introduced to ensure that they take responsibility not to supply their products to unlicensed traders. Where liquor is supplied to illegal traders, the trader’s involved and suppliers should be held responsible if harm or damage ensues to the patrons within or near to the premises where such illegal liquor was being traded; and where liquor has been supplied to illegal traders and the manufacturer did not take reasonable steps to stop that supply, the manufacturer should also be held liable when harm or damage ensues,” stated The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In the media briefing in Parliament earlier this week, South Africa’s alcohol consumption was highlighted as being the highest globally. This, as our consumption percentage is around 12% compared to the global average of six percent.

The department also made mention of the act of serving liquor products to already intoxicated persons, as they highlighted the signs of intoxication.

“The following are common signs of visible intoxication, slurred speech; moving in a swaying manner or difficulty walking straight; becoming physically violent; and becoming loud, boisterous and disorderly.

“Should that happen and the intoxicated person is involved in a motor accidents or crime related to substance abuse, the trader should bear liability for any harm or damages within or near to premise. The burden of proof will shift from state to the respondent or manufacturer, supplier or trader who is trading contrary to the rules and regulations,” stated the DTI.

Furthermore, restrictions are to be placed near educational and religious institutions, the DTI said. “Liquor spots should be no less than 500m away from schools and churches,” reported IOL.

The Policy paper will be released for comment in the next 45 days, after which it is set to be tabled in parliament.

Two forms of liability would be implemented both for the unlicensed and licensed liquor sellers.