Is change upon us in South Africa with new alcohol laws?
The sale and marketing of alcohol could be in for a few changes...
It is no secret that South Africa has issues with the consumption of alcohol - and that is what prompted the Liquor Amendment Bill in 2018.
WATCH: Men get arrested after breaking into liquor store and getting drunk
According to Business Tech, the bill seeks to amend the National Liquor Act of 2003 by tightening alcohol restrictions, advertising, and regulating where alcohol is sold.
Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition spokesperson Bongani Lukhele has reiterated that the bill is under review by the department once again.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became more apparent that the problem of liquor abuse is quite huge in South Africa, and requires more concerted measures," says Bongani.
Read more: Poll - Should government change the liquor laws?
The next step is to send the bill to Parliament for review.
Maurice Smithers, the Director of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in South Africa, feels that the Liquor Act is inadequate and inconsistent.
Maurice also believes that it doesn't meet the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.
Read more: KZN Liquor Authority want outlets involved in deadly shootings shut down
Should the government really change its liquor laws?
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