Saapa Calls for a Halt on the Issuing of Liquor Licences at Petrol Stations
- The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance has made calls for provincial governments to halt the issuing of licences for alcohol to be sold at petrol stations
- In June, both BP and Pick n Pay Express were granted licenses to sell wine and now Saapa along with 23 groups want the government to intervene
- The alliance wishes to have the government take part in conversations surrounding the awarding of liquor licences to petrol stations
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The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa) has called on liquor authorities in the different provinces to bring forth a moratorium (delay or suspension of a law or an activity) on the awarding of licences for alcohol to be sold at petrol stations.
Just two months ago, Pick n Pay Express and BP was given a grocer's license. This licence allows for the two companies to sell wine; making it the first license in the country to allow for this to happen.
Along with 23 groups, Saapa is calling on the South African government to make a move. Saapa and the organisations want the Trade, Industry and Competition department to intervene and host talks with provincial departments which are in charge of issuing liquor licences.
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According to EWN, Director of Saapa Maurice Smithers stated that the alliance had spoken to the government as well as reached out to premiers and MEC's regarding the issue of the licence. Saapa director, Maurice Smithers, said that they'd spoken to the government and had also reached out to premiers and MECs regarding the issue.
Smithers stated that the alliance would be pushing cabinet, explaining that a number of ministers have allegedly indicated that they believed that better legislation was needed. He went on to explain that they were in contact with various organisations across the globe that are currently looking into the global alcohol policy alliance and the issue of alcohol harm around the world.
Saapa recently held a press conference regarding the alliance wanting to halt the liquor license for petrol stations.
Government gazettes the Destroyed, Affected or Looted Workplaces Temporary Relief Scheme
In other government-related news, Briefly News recently reported that reports have revealed that employees who were impacted by the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will be eligible for payments amounting to over R17 000 per month; provided the government maintains that employees need their financial support.
On Tuesday, Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi gazetted the Destroyed, Affected or Looted Workplaces Temporary Relief Scheme. According to this, employees are set to receive between 38% and 60% of their pre-civil unrest salaries.
The minimum amount of money to be given out is R3 500 while the cap put on the salaries has been set at R17 712.
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Source: Briefly News
