Capetonians must brace themselves for even fewer drinks on their party tables if the city gets its way.
The Cape Town council has released its controversial draft liquor bylaw, which would cut liquor outlets' trading hours, for a second round of public comment. Traders are opposed to it.
The Centre for Constitutional Rights plans a panel discussion this week on "the emergence of the nanny state". This follows Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's proposed regulations on smoking, and on salt and alcohol consumption.
Councillor Garreth Bloor, responsible for economic planning, said the amended bylaw allows traders in liquor for off-site consumption to apply to trade on Sundays until 8pm.
"Alcohol is no ordinary commodity. Its abuse is associated with violence, accidents and health problems.
"But unduly restricting the supply has been shown to have adverse side effects." He said the council had to find a balance between the operating times, and the responsibilities of individuals using alcohol and those selling it. The 30-day public comment period opens tomorrow. The Centre for Constitutional Rights accused Motsoaledi of being a nanny state minister.
"Is the government being overly protective or interfering with personal choice?" the centre asked.
Motsoaledi's spokesman, Joe Maila, cited an upsurge in non-communicable disease and said the constitution permitted the minister to act.
"We have to regulate if people are not doing what they should to prevent disease."
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