OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Wednesday 9.45pm.
THE African National Congress on Wednesday used its political muscle to push the controversial Liquor Bill through the National Assembly in the face of protests that the legislation may be unconstitutional and erodes the power of the provinces.
The bill provides give national government the mandate to issue licences to liquor wholesalers and manufacturers. The constitution, however, states that the authority to issue liquor licences rests with provincial authorities.
Trade Minister Alec Erwin said during debate on the bill that it is common sense that national government should control licences to manufacturers and wholesalers since they operate countrywide.
“The government is of the firm belief that the bill is constitutional because it is essentially about maintaining national norms and standards; It does not usurp the powers of the provinces,” he said.
Opposition parties, however, warned that they may petition the Constitutional Court. The bill permits liquor sales on any day of the week, but gives local governments the authority to regulate the opening hours for alcohol outlets.