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A bunch of beer bottles wait to be filled and labeled ahead of packaging.
A recent statement by the Limpopo police regarding the operational hours of liquor outlets has caused unhappiness. During a consultative session with traders and other stakeholders the police suggested an amendment to the Liquor Act of 2009, that includes a curfew for outlets to close before 2 am.
Liquor traders in Limpopo, strongly rejected the proposed re-introduction of a curfew on the sale and distribution of alcohol across the province during the festive season.
Opposition against a police proposal for earlier closer times for liquor outlets during the festive season in Limpopo is mounting.
In their submission – the Limpopo provincial police suggest that traders operating under the scope of the Limpopo Liquor Act number 5 of 2009, need to abide by a proposed curfew. With no curfew being implemented, it might be a preference for some but previously, the SAPS top guns made public utterances of reducing the operating hours of spots from 2 am to midnight or earlier.
Provincial Commissioner, General Thembi Hadebe, says earlier the curfew will reduce crime rates in the province.
“We had instances where the trading time for liquor was 12:00 and when it was 12:00 we have seen that impacted very positively in terms of our crime statistics, so it is one factor that we can always wish that as they re-look the legislation for Limpopo this is one thing that they need to also look at. We have made that submission during the conference. I think that LEDET is the one that is working on the final document. We have been briefed that our input be escalated into the Limpopo Liquor Act. Our input is that 12:00 am. At least that should be closing time for taverns.”
Resistance to the suggestion
Popular outlets in Polokwane have outlined several reasons as to why a curfew would not be feasible. The majority of the outlets have converted their licenses to align with the newly amended legislation.
The current Liquor Act does not stipulate a closure time earlier than 2 o’clock in the morning. Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association representative, Sello Mokwana, says they are opposing the move.
“We will not tolerate a situation where SAPS will treat liquor traders with license as illegal liquor traders because they have subjected themselves to ensure that they will comply with the laws of the liquor boards. SAPS cannot enforce what is outside the Limpopo Liquor Act regulations. Even if they implement the curfew, we are saying we reject the proposal. Limpopo liquor traders are crime victims too, we are willing to assist the SAPS in this issue of crime through other alternatives, not curfew.”
Unemployment
Some liquor outlets say reduced trading hours will result in the reduction of their workforce.
“The closing time being taken down would essentially mean us having to let go of people, us having to stop feeding the families that we currently are. So, it’s not about groove and having a great time and that kind of thing, it is about the economic development of this province,” says trader Makhanani Nonjinge.
Another trader Tshegofatso Thoka says, “If you close at 12h00 clock, people will still get their liquor, they will still get liquor because they’ll be rooming around. There’ll be a lot of unknown places that will pop up and everyone will know where to get their liquor, unfortunately that happens.”
Artists
Meanwhile, Limpopo Artists Movement held a meeting with the Economic Development Department regarding the issue.
Its chairperson, Mphoza Mashabela, says they were informed the trading hours will remain as stated in the act, which is operational hours ending at 2-o’clock am.
“There is no way we can allow LEDET or SAPS to come with that ruling now or change or amend that operating time for liquor outlets. As far as we know, we have engaged with LEDET yesterday. They’ve indicated that members with liquor outlets must operate until 2:00, so as far as we know the artist will perform until 2:00.”
VIDEO | Limpopo liquor traders say the suggested curfew will have a negative economic effect in the province.
Engagement to continue on the matter
The new liquor act will come into effect on 1 January, next year. Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba says discussions will be held – where stakeholder submissions will be considered.
In a stake-holder consultative session, the department focused on a second gazette that was issued under the new act. It focused on the position of the department, and the need to re-consider the closing time for outlets.
