Limpopo Liquor Traders Reject Festive Season Alcohol Curfew
Liquor store owners in Limpopo have strongly opposed the proposed re-introduction of a curfew on the sale and distribution of alcohol during the festive season.
The Liquor Traders argue that teh curfew threatens their businesses during a crucial trading period.
The rejection comes after a recent High Court ruling in Polokwane temporarily halted the implementation of the provincial Liquor Act.
Deputy Police Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers highlighted the serious concerns surrounding alcohol-related crime in the province.
“The statistics are alarming. Rapes, assaults, murders, domestic violence, child abuse, road fatalities, and attempted murders are frequently linked to alcohol consumption, both within and outside licensed venues,” he stated during a recent stakeholder engagement on liquor regulations.
Scheepers emphasized that the current closing time of 2 a.m. contributes significantly to violent crime.
“Many incidents occur after patrons leave liquor stores. The police face the challenging task of managing these individuals as they make their way home, while also addressing other crimes, such as house break-ins,” he said.
Sello Mokwana, deputy chairperson of the Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association, firmly opposed the curfew proposal.
“Those are the peak hours of the industry. It’s going to have a detrimental impact on the industry and liquor stores.” said Mokwana
He argued that high crime rates are more closely linked to unemployment than alcohol availability, citing a spike in crime during the complete ban on alcohol during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Alcohol was completely banned, but there was an increase of social crime during that time,” said Mokwana.
During the Limpopo Liquor Affairs Stakeholder Engagement at Meropa Casino, Polokwane, MEC Tshitereke Matibe recognized the significant economic role of the liquor industry in the province and country.
He emphasized the need to streamline liquor sales by removing regulatory bottlenecks while ensuring social responsibility.
Matibe stressed the importance of compliance and balancing economic growth with community well-being.
He urged liquor traders to collaborate with the department and SAPS to reduce crime, improve security, and minimize noise pollution.
LAM Backs Extended Hours for Liquor Traders
The Limpopo Artists Movement (LAM) has expressed its strong support for the recent decision by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism to allow liquor traders to operate until 2:00 AM.
This measure, now active until the end of the conversion period, aims to benefit local artists and the entertainment industry.
LAM Chairperson Mphoza Mashabela emphasized the importance of this decision, stating,
“We are calling on Limpopo SAPS to focus on real criminals and leave the entertainment industry and liquor traders alone. We are making a living and taking full responsibility; we can’t be oppressed by Limpopo SAPS while they enjoy salaries every month end.”
“Artists must go and work in taverns and all liquid outlets until 2:00 AM without any fear or intimidation from Limpopo SAPS, as it will be against the law,” said Mashabela
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He further highlighted that LAM members actively participate in the Limpopo liquor stakeholders’ indaba and have made their submissions regarding the need for extended operating hours.
“All liquor outlets in the province must open until 2:00 AM and hire artists to perform without fear of Deputy Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers,” Mashabela added.
“This dream of the Limpopo Police will not happen. Our members will perform and enjoy the festive season while making more money.”
“Reducing alcohol-related crime can’t come at our expense. Limpopo Police are shifting the blame; let them face real criminals and allow the entertainment industry and liquor traders to operate in peace,” concluded Mashabela