AMENDMENT BILL
The problem with liquor is not regulation but weak policing
The Liquor Amendment Bill, which has been several years in the drafting, is destined to go before the new Cabinet in the next few weeks. With the possible exception of the clauses relating to siting licences close to schools and places of worship, it seems the extensive public consultation process has brought no changes. Given that there are strong views on the subject — especially among the prohibitionists, who are an important ANC constituency — no one seriously expected that rational argument would prevail in the presence of political necessity. There are several proposals in the draft bill that reflect the frustration of the dirigistes in the government when they cannot mould reality to meet their expectations. Confronted by the unacceptable consequences of alcohol consumption, they believe that further regulation will address the problems. They want to raise the drinking age to 21 — from 18, a threshold more honoured in the breach than the observance. They think an advertising ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.