Liquor that the provincial government in Limpopo has banned from being sold after midnight. Image: pexels
Limpopo liquor traders take their provincial government to court
Limpopo liquor traders have taken the provincial government to court, to oppose the new rule that no alcohol must be sold after midnight.
Liquor that the provincial government in Limpopo has banned from being sold after midnight. Image: pexels
The liquor traders have taken the provincial government to court, and there will be a court hearing next week Tuesday, 8 August 2023. The action was filed by liquor traders who want the Limpopo provincial government to ban the rule that prohibits them from selling alcohol after midnight.
This rule is currently in effect, regardless that the liquor traders are opposed to it. Their concern is that it would harm their operations.
ALSO READ: Unlicensed shebeens selling liquor to school kids raided
Why is the selling of liquor prohibited after midnight?
Limpopo MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Rodgers Monama said that they are closing the sale of alcohol after midnight to reduce the amount of violence directed at women and children, as well as criminal acts committed while under the influence of alcohol.
ALSO READ: Lockdown 2.0? No liquor trading after midnight in Limpopo
“We encourage people to drink at home. That why we don’t want taverns, shebeens, and clubs to sell alcohol after midnight,” said Monama.
National Liquor Traders (NLT) convener Lucky Mtimane, said they took the case to court because it will have a negative financial impact on a majority.
“The people who sell alcohol will be affected, as well as waiters and waitresses, uber drivers will also be affected because their working hours will be reduced. Hotel staff working at bars will get less money because they must close bars early. Artists will no longer get an opportunity to perform,” he said.
ALSO READ: Liquor heist: Armed robbers loot truck with 450k worth beverages
National Liquor Traders is not the only company that went to court, also Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association also went to court.
What is the Limpopo Health MEC saying about this?
These organisations said the court case will be held at the constitutional court of Limpopo, on 8 August.
Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba, said she supports the prohibition of selling alcohol after midnight because patients sent to hospitals at night, most of the cases are alcohol-related.
ALSO READ: WATCH: 300 boxes of liquor worth R1.8 million recovered [VIDEO]
“It was proven during covid-19 that if alcohol is not sold, fewer people get admitted to hospital at night,” she said.
When she spoke to Newzroom Afrika, she said, it was not said that people will be unable to purchase alcohol, but only the after-midnight hours are restricted
