02 Sep 2021

Parliament has unanimously adopted amendments to the Liquor Act.

The amendments are aimed at strengthening the act by introducing stringent measures to regulate illicit trade in liquor as well as to address social ills associated with alcohol abuse.

Consequently, the new Liquor Act prohibits wholesalers and distributors to sell alcohol to individuals without a trading license for individual consumption.

The act further empowers the minister to prescribe measures for regulation of the liquor industry.

Thus, section 39(A) permits the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in consultation with the Minister of Health and Wellness to take appropriate action on any trade in liquor or business that poses danger to public health.

Parliament also adopted amendments to the Public Finance Management Act, in particular section 14, which makes provision for disposal of public supplies and the manner in which they shall be disposed of.

Other amendments provide for the disposal of any assets which commenced under the PPAD Act to be dealt with by the accounting officer in accordance with the act. ENDS