Cape Town -
The City of Cape Town expects a “deluge” of applications for extended trading times when the new liquor by-law comes into effect on February 1.
Taki Amira, chairman of the Good Hope Subcouncil, said, in terms of the new legislation, sub-councils would have to advertise each application so that the neighbours and other interested parties could comment.
The new by-law, which replaces all existing bylaws dealing with the sale of alcohol, has several notable changes.
These include allowing off-consumption premises, such as bottle stores, to apply for extended trading hours from Monday to Saturday, from 6pm to 8pm and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm.
Patrons having a drink in a licensed establishment have 30 minutes in which to finish their drinks after last sales.
Establishments that comply with the schedule set out in the by-law may apply for extended trading hours from 2am until no later than 4am.
The by-law also allows delegated officials to suspend the extended trading hours if there are any contraventions.
The promulgation of the by-law last year came after months of debate, public comment and several amendments.
It is in strong contrast to the city’s initial proposal to ban the sale of alcohol on Sundays and curtail the sale of liquor after 6pm.
Cape Argus