Pretoria - The period for submissions into the draft National Liquor Policy Review has been extended until August, the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) said on Friday.
Under the proposed new policy, the legal drinking age would be raised from 18 to 21 years. In addition, the department has also called for stricter controls when it comes to selling and buying alcohol.
It says liquor is associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including cirrhosis and cancers of the tongue, mouth and throat, among other things. This is in addition to the physical and emotional harm caused by people under the influence of liquor.
The dti said after having constructive consultation sessions with the South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA) and South African Breweries (SAB), respectively on 11 June 2015 it resolved to extend the period for submission of comments by 30 days.
“This means stakeholders and interested parties now have until 13 August 2015 to submit their comments,” said the dti.
The draft policy review was published by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, on 20 May 2015 for public comments.
The dti is currently having consultation sessions with affected stakeholders and associations, and is pleased with the cordial and constructive manner with which stakeholders are participating so far.
It said that the extension will give stakeholders an opportunity to populate their input better following the consultative sessions.
The draft policy review aims to address public policy concerns arising from alcohol abuse, the lack of transformation in the liquor industry, especially at production level, and coordination by government at all levels to improve regulation of the industry. - SAnews.gov.za
