The Liquor trading days and hours by-law came into effect on April 1, but traders say they are unclear about how it affects them.
|||Cape Town - The Liquor trading days and hours by-law came into effect on April 1, but many traders say they are still unclear about how it affects them.
Public participation on sections of the by-law opens on Friday.
Garreth Bloor, mayoral committee member for economic, environmental and spatial planning, said while certain aspects of the by-law were being reviewed, the rest of the by-law was in place.
According to the new by-law, a licensee at off-license premises may sell liquor for consumption off the licensed premises from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and liquor cannot be sold from any off-license premises on a Sunday, excluding wineries, which may trade from their tasting rooms.
But confusion is rife at Retreat and Steenberg liquor stores.
Kevin Southgate, chairman of the Steenberg community police forum, said some liquor traders were not sure about trading times.
“There is confusion about the closing times, which are supposed to be at 6pm.
“Some traders say they have spoken to the city and the liquor board, but are still unsure about who is allowed to trade until what time.”
He added that licensed outlets were adhering to the trading hours, but found it unfair that “they are losing money while illegal traders are making a lot more”.
Heidi Hanekom, owner of Steenberg Liquors, said many customers came from work to buy alcohol, then turned to shebeens.
The public participation process closes on May 20, with the liquor trading days and hours by-law available for viewing at all city libraries and subcouncil offices.
natasha.bezuidenhout@inl.co.za
Cape Argus