Public gets more time for booze bill comment

THE deadline for public comments on the National Liquor Amendment Bill has been extended to allow for more input to be made.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies announced the extension yesterday. This follows consultative sessions the department had with its portfolio committee and the SA Liquor Brand Owners Association.

Since October the department has been hosting consultative sessions for oral public submissions throughout the country as part of the national roadshow aimed at soliciting input on the bill from the public.

Next week, the roadshow will make pit stops in Lephalale, Moletjie, Mokopane and Musina in Limpopo.

Davis said people may now comment until December 15.

“The department also hosted a National Liquor Indaba in Gauteng last month where it was apparent that affected stakeholders and associations need more time in order to provide valuable input on the bill. We are happy that the extension will afford all the stakeholders more time to share their ideas and proposals with us,” Davies said.

In the new bill the government plans, among other things, to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 years and restrict advertising of liquor or methylated spirits.

According to the draft bill, the advertisement of liquor is prohibited on public platforms, including billboards placed less than 100m away from junctions, street corners or traffic circles; the distribution of pamphlets containing liquor advertisements is banned, as is radio and television airing beyond the time slots prescribed by the minister.

Last week, the Select Committee on Trade and International Relations unanimously supported the liquor policy. People can comment to: Director-General, Department of Trade and Industry, Private Bag X84, 0001; or hand deliver to: 77 Meintjies Street, Block B, First Floor, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Phone 012 394 5573, Fax ATT 394 5573 or e-mail NR6mphele@thedti.gov. za, for attention: M Nkoe Ramphele.