The recent liquor legislation changes in Kannaland Municipality pose a serious threat to public safety. We are objecting to the extended trading hours introduced by the municipality and have turned to the courts for a solution.
The Western Cape High Court has issued a provisional order suspending the implementation of the Kannaland Municipality’s newly enacted liquor by-law, the Control of Undertakings that Sell Liquor to the Public By-Law, 2024. The suspension comes as a result of mutual agreement among all involved parties, pending the outcome of judicial review proceedings. Consequently, the previous liquor by-law, which was in effect from 8 February 2013 until its repeal on 1 March 2024, is reinstated until a final decision is reached.
The contentious 2024 liquor by-laws intended to allow on-consumption sales of alcohol from 09:00 to 04:00 the following day, seven days a week, and extend off-consumption sales to 09:00-20:00 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00-13:00 on Sundays. This move directly conflicts with the Western Cape Government’s White Paper on Alcohol Harms Reduction, advocating for reduced trading hours rather than an extension. Dr David Harrison, CEO of the DGMT, welcomed the provisional order by mutual agreement. “We are very pleased that the Kannaland Municipality has chosen not to object to DGMT application for an interdict against the new by-laws. Hopefully we will be able to engage with its leadership and agree on a process for proper community and scientific consultation to gauge both their acceptability and likely social and economic impact.”
Watch the full interview below.
