-
Beer seen at a bar
Liquor traders in the North West have handed over their memorandum of demands to Department of Economic Development and Tourism MEC Bitsa Lenkopane. They are upset over the increase in fees relating to the annual renewal of liquor licenses.
They cited a lack of consultation as a cause for concern, saying these changes negatively affect their businesses.
Liquor traders’ representative, Phumla Kgasi says they were forced to take to the streets after several attempts to engage with the department failed.
“We have written several petitions, we have written several letters, we have visited the office of the MEC and we event went to the extent of trying to engage the premier of the North West. We also handed him our concerns and absolutely up to now there isn’t anything that is happening.”
Meanwhile, traders further say the department should focus on unlicensed liquor outlets and stop the proliferation of fake liquor products, as it threatens their businesses. A Mahikeng based operator, Jack Lekgalane, says the department should also look into supermarkets that operate illegally in the areas.
“This trade law affects our businesses. Some of the tuck shops around here are selling liquor and the MEC is doing nothing about it. They are selling liquor, unlicensed, but we who are licensed, are now becoming the victims of trying to comply with the MEC.”
VIDEO | Various parts of SA have been struggling with sale of illicit alcohol:
