The National Liquor Traders has taken decisive action by filing an urgent court application to halt the implementation of the new Limpopo Liquor Act.
Despite the pending court challenge, the provincial government plans to enforce the new liquor trading hours in August, which includes a midnight ban on alcohol sales.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 50-Year-Old Drug Dealer Arrested In Standerton
Lucky Ntimane, the convenor of National Liquor Traders, revealed that the matter is scheduled for a hearing in the Polokwane High Court on 8 August.
The traders’ concern stems from the potential devastating impact the act could have on their livelihoods and the entire liquor value chain.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Suspects Nabbed With Suspected Stolen Vehicle
Ntimane said, “It is rather unfortunate that we have to resort to court processes to resolve an issue that could have been handled differently only if the government of Limpopo cared about liquor traders instead of peddling half-truths to try and defend an issue that seeks to destroy the livelihoods of liquor traders and the value chain.
“It is our expectation that as this matter is before the courts, the Limpopo Economic, Environment and Tourism Department, MEC Rodgers Monama will accordingly show good faith and suspend the act in its entirety pending the finalisation of this case. This is the least we expect from the department” he added.
