Discussions surrounding South Africa’s liquor laws and regulations have gained renewed attention. In August 2022, the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance, or SAAPA, had suggested several significant changes to the regulations surrounding alcohol consumption in South Africa. As one of South Africa’s leading liquor licence consultants, Leon Slotow Associates breaks down what these changes could mean.
Why Changes Are Being Proposed?
There is no one singular reason changes are being proposed, but rather a general understanding of the role alcohol plays in our society. The Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the seriousness of liquor abuse in South Africa. Coupled with increasing rates of drunk driving offences, underage drinking, and alcohol-related injuries, it is understandable that authorities are looking for ways to reduce harm and promote a healthier relationship with alcohol for all South Africans.
What Are The Proposed Changes?
The proposed changes aim to align South Africa with the World Health Organisation’s strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol across the world. The proposed changes include:
- Banning or heavily restricting advertisements for alcohol on public platforms.
- Increasing the legal drinking age from 18 years to 21 years.
- Implementing regulations for specific hours and trading days for the manufacture and distribution of alcohol. Something we’re already seeing with the government’s attempts at the provincial level, such as in North West and Limpopo, where changes to their liquor acts have been implemented.
- Retailers and manufacturers being held liable for any harm caused by regulations that have been violated.
What Could These Changes Mean For Retailers And Manufacturers?
Should the proposed changes to the Liquor Act be implemented, many manufacturers, distributors and retailers could find themselves unable to trade and operate as they had before. Many in the liquor industry could find themselves in need of changing all of their policies, procedures and daily operations as they suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of regulations. Even those who have known the business inside and out for many years could quickly become confused and uncertain about what is expected of them.
What Could These Changes Mean Legally?
If you are involved in the liquor industry, you already know how important it is to be 100% compliant with all liquor laws and regulations at all times. Obtaining and maintaining a valid liquor licence can be a serious undertaking, which is only made more difficult when laws are changed or amended.
Keeping up with what is expected of liquor licence holders can be overwhelming, which is why having a reliable liquor licence consultant or liquor licence lawyer is so important. At Leon Slotow Associates, we help you get your liquor licence and renew it correctly, year after year, regardless of changes in the law. As South Africa’s top liquor licence consultants, we are here to help you navigate liquor laws and regulations, ensuring that you remain compliant at all times.
Do you need help obtaining a retail liquor licence? Are you looking for assistance with liquor licence renewal? Leon Slotow Associates can assist. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.
