Liquor by-law on hold

KOUGA councillors have decided to go back to the drawing board before passing the proposed bylaw on liquor trading days and hours.

The item was placed on the council agenda, but could not be passed because a public-participation process had not taken place.

The bylaw has been set up to provide for the control of establishments selling liquor to the public in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment in the Kouga municipal area.

Speaker Magdalene Dlomo asked for the item to be removed due to a public-participation process not being done.

"I suggest that we get the public’s input so that they can guide us on the way going forward,” said Dlomo.

The liquor bylaw will regulate liquor trading hours for establishments in residential areas, business centres, industrial areas, agricultural areas, smallholdings and other ad-hoc locations.

These establishments include guesthouses, lodges, pubs, bars, taverns, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, and special-event and temporary-licensed premises.