Limpopo liquor laws under scrutiny amid crime concerns | Review

POLOKWANE – Talks on amending liquor trading regulations in Limpopo have sparked intense debate, with discussions focusing on relaxing licence fees and extending trading hours.

Advocates argue that such changes could benefit liquor traders, consumers and the economy through job creation.

However, Limpopo police, represented by the deputy provincial commissioner Maj Gen Jan Scheepers, have highlighted a troubling link between alcohol and crime.

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During a stakeholders’ engagement at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on Thursday, Scheepers presented crime statistics related to liquor-licensed premises, revealing 153 serious cases in the Capricorn district over the past three months.

This included nine murders, four attempted murders, 129 incidents of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and one incident of rape.

Province-wide, 473 alcohol-related cases were recorded in the same period. The Economic Development Department’s decision last year to reduce the alcohol sale curfew from 02:00 to 00:00, aimed at curbing such crimes, faced backlash from restaurant owners and liquor traders.

Although the Sekhukhune and National Liquor Traders Associations challenged the regulation unsuccessfully, the department has since reinstated the 02:00 curfew temporarily, pending public consultations open until February 28.

Social activists have proposed stricter measures, including prohibiting alcohol sales near religious institutions, schools, and residential areas, while police have emphasised poor compliance with the Liquor Act as a critical issue.

Violations include operating outside permitted hours, selling to intoxicated patrons, and failing to employ security personnel or comply with on-site consumption regulations.

Scheepers stressed: “The problem lies not with alcohol itself but with its regulation,” and urged stakeholders to use the amendment process to strike a balance between business interests and community safety. Public participation is being encouraged to ensure the revised liquor regulations address the concerns of all stakeholders effectively.