19 Sep 2018

Business owners in Selebi Phikwe have requested government to consider cancelling or reducing the alcohol levy.

They also supported the new proposed liquor trading hours, saying the move would boost their business turn-over.

They made the remarks during a consultative meeting on the proposed liquor trading hours that was convened by Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry,  Mr Moiseraele Goya on September 17.

Most residents said the current alcohol levy and liquor trading time frames had impacted negatively on their businesses resulting in the retrenchment of some workers while other businesses had to close down.

They said jobs had been lost and that the current trading hours and alcohol levy impacted negatively on the entertainment, hotel and tourism sector.

They also said that Selebi Phikwe was facing challenges due to the closure of the BCL mine and that liquor traders could play a role in creating jobs for locals.

On the same issue, some residents said since the alcohol levy and the current trading hours were introduced, some people, especially the youth, have resorted to other ways of getting intoxicated and started using drugs among other illegal intoxicating substances.

They noted that there had been many reports of drug abuse ]around the country.

Some residents also said the current liquor trading hours and alcohol levy have played a key role in the reduction of fatal road accidents and criminal activities such as rape.

They argued that alcohol was detrimental to the future of any society and that upcoming generations would be alcohol addicts.

In response, Mr Goya acknowledged all the responses from those who attended the meeting.

He said the information collected during the meeting would be handled accordingly to make informed decisions on the way forward.

He explained that his ministry was moving around the country making consultations on the issue in order to make amendments on the liquor trading hours and issues associated with liquor trading.

He explained that consultations came after reports and complaints were made to his ministry and government that the liquor trading hours and alcohol levy negatively affected businesses.

He said alcohol outlets such as bars and large companies such as Kgalagadi Breweries had to shut down doors in Selebi Phikwe, Palapye and Lobatse resulting in loss jobs.

“These are some of the issues that compelled government to review the liquor trading act and make consultations on whether to make amendments or not,” he said.

He said what was important was to educate the public on alcohol abuse and implore people to indulge in alcohol responsibly.

He also said churches around the country and some members of civil society were against alcohol as it was alleged that HIV infections, road accidents, criminal activities such as rape were caused by alcohol.  

He concurred with some of residents that more research with accurate statistics was needed to determine the impact alcohol had in society in order to give government accurate information so that proper decisions could be made.

He further state that his ministry’s mandate was to diversify the economy, create export opportunities and create employment for citizens. He said loss of employment due to closure of businesses was regarded as an issue that set back government initiatives to create employment.

Meanwhile, the deputy mayor of Selebi Phikwe, Ms Dorcus Letlhogela commended the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry for bringing the issue to Selebi Phikwe to make consultations with residents of the town.

She explained that there were two sides of the coin, both negative and positive in regards to alcohol levy and liquor trading hours, and that government had to put an eye on the issue to take proper action after consultations were made countrywide. ENDS