LEDET MEC Rodgers Monama has responded to criticism from some sections of society over the new Limpopo Liquor Act. A new alcohol curfew is set to come into effect on 01 August in Limpopo which prevents liquor outlets and nightlife facilities from selling alcohol after midnight.

Liquor traders in Limpopo have also met with the MEC Monama on Monday to discuss the Act and its regulations.

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In the National Liquor norms and standards gazetted in 2014, all on-consumption premises are prohibited to trade alcohol.

“There is nothing new that we have done. There has been consultations around the regions and people did not participate when it was gazetted,” he said. Monama was speaking during an event to congratulate Polokwane City held in Meropa Casino on Tuesday.

“It’s only now that they see that it’s being implemented and they say this Monama now is coming with a story. As if I just woke up and said that we must implement the curfew. There is confusion regarding the implementation of the Limpopo Liquor Act that we are promulgating,” added Monama.

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“People are confused about the promulgation of the legislature which has been a consultative process.”

Monama is also set to meet with more stakeholders before the department issues a concluding statement on the matter on Thursday.

“They must bring genuine reasons why they are saying [hangout spots] must close at 02:00. Why not 04:00 if they are saying it’s robbing the economy? We were also saying they must also open on Sunday which was not there.

“Another issue that people are not understanding is the on-consumption that people sit and drink and the issue of off-consumption.

“The other issue around the taverns or the nightlife facilities, which I think if you wanted to do that [operate until 02:00], you can still apply for an entertainment facility which can take you to that 02:00 that you need. Because it’s the conditionality.”