The proposed Draft Liquor Amendment Bill of 2016 will complicate the liquor regulatory environment even more, says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of Fedhasa.

One of the proposals put forward in the amendment is the prohibition of selling alcohol to citizens or visitors between the ages of 18 and 21.  The raising of the age limit for legal drinking would have a damaging impact on hospitality businesses, particularly in university and holiday towns, said Fedhasa in a statement.

Another clause states that the manufacturing, distribution or retail sale of liquor in either a rural or urban community is prohibited at any location that is less than 500 metres from schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, rehabilitation or treatment centres, residential areas, public institutions, and other similar amenities. “It would literally mean that the only establishments that could sell liquor in South Africa would be far out in the wilderness somewhere,” added Tshivhengwa.

Fedhasa has called on the Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry to persuade provincial governments to adopt a standardised, pragmatic approach to all aspects of liquor licensing and trading in South Africa. Tshivhengwa said industry would welcome an economic impact assessment process that would provide clarity on how the proposed Bill might impact the hospitality sector.

“What would make sense is for the Department of Trade and Industry to work toward a single national liquor Act, a single provincial liquor Act and a single byelaw that provide for the trading days and hours of on- and off-consumption liquor licensed establishments which can be enforced by all local municipalities,” said Tshivhengwa.