Bay taverners oppose proposed new legislation

A GOVERNMENT liquor policy proposal that would see outlets selling alcohol restricted to areas outside residential nodes would destroy taverns and small township businesses.

This is according to the Bay Taverners’ Association, which canvassed more than 1 500 licensed on-consumption taverns in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The association has submitted the comments to the Department of Trade and Industry after Minister Rob Davies asked for public comment on the proposal.

In the government’s discussion document, it is proposed that liquor premises be located at least 500m away from schools, places of worship, recreation facilities, rehabilitation or treatment centres, and residential or public institutions.

No liquor licences would be issued to petrol service stations, premises attached to them and premises near public transport.

The document also makes mention of proposals for days and times when the sale of alcohol would be allowed and increasing the legal drinking age to 21.

Bay Taverners’ Association secretary Tammy Nqam said the measures were designed to destroy black-owned businesses.

The association spoke to business owners who each employ about 10 people.

Many informal traders set up food and other stalls outside the taverns and these traders employ a number of people as well.

-Hendrick Mphande