Cape Town, 11 March 2025 – The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa (SAAPA-SA), a network of over 100 partners advocating for Alcohol Safer South Africa, has commended the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) for implementing new regulatory measures under the Liquor Act, 2003. Having learned from the Enyobeni tragedy where 21 young lives were lost, the stated measures aim to enhance oversight of liquor licensing, ensuring a more structured framework for licensing, monitoring, and enforcement of alcohol sales and micro-manufacturing in the Eastern Cape province. This is an example to be emulated by other Liquor Boards across the country.
This announcement follows the recent enactment of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, 2024, which expressly prohibits the sale of alcohol at schools. “The new Eastern Cape Liquor Board regulations, together with the BELA Act, reinforce each other in reducing children’s exposure to alcohol trade and marketing, preventing underage drinking and curbing alcohol-related harm in communities and at schools,” says Aadielah Maker Diedericks, SAAPA general secretary.
She further urged the South African government to pass the Liquor Amendment Bill of 2016, which has been stalled for nine years and not processed in parliament.
“South Africa needs answers. This stalling has held South Africa from aligning the regulation of alcohol trade, distribution, marketing and pricing with international best practices and World Health Organisation recommendations. Alcohol-related harm is a crisis in our country and costs the ficus between 10-12% of GDP. Gender-based violence incidents in particular are of concern, with about 60% reported cases implicating alcohol. Similarly, almost 60% of drivers involved in car crashes, test positive for alcohol. We are calling on our provincial and national leaders to prioritise South African lives and pass the Liquor Amendment Act of 2016, which amongst other things prohibits the marketing of alcohol, prevents the trade of alcohol within 500 radius of educational and religious institutions, and regulates the issuance of liquor licences.”
Key Regulatory Changes – Eastern Cape Liquor Board
The ECLB’s new regulations introduce significant changes to the liquor licensing process:
- Stricter Licensing Conditions: Applicants for liquor licences must now secure municipal zoning approvals, population certifications, and adhere to local business regulations, ensuring that licensing aligns with urban planning and community needs.
- On-Site Accountability: To prevent operational neglect, licensed premises must have the registered liquor licence holder or an appointed manager physically present during trading hours.
- Community Engagement: Liquor licence applicants must notify schools, religious institutions, and other community organisations within a 500-metre radius to allow public participation in the licensing process.
- Stronger Age Verification Measures: All registered liquor outlets must implement strict age verification procedures, including mandatory ID checks and visible signage, to prevent underage drinking.
- Increased Licensing Fees: For the first time in over a decade, the ECLB has revised licensing fees to enhance regulatory enforcement, compliance monitoring, and operational efficiency.
Reinforcing the Prohibition of Alcohol Sales at Schools
With the BELA Act 2024 now in effect, the sale of alcohol at educational institutions is explicitly banned, reinforcing the need for strict compliance from liquor retailers. The new ECLB regulations further support this prohibition by tightening control over licensing near schools and requiring public participation in liquor licence approvals.
“We also call on all School Governing Bodies to strictly adhere to these regulations. We also call on all Liquor Boards to reject applications for temporary liquor licenses at all school events such as sporting and cultural tournaments and festivals. By strengthening oversight and accountability, these changes aim to reduce alcohol-related harm, protect youth, and foster safer communities in the Eastern Cape and beyond. ” says Mrs Maker Diedericks.
SAAPA-SA urges Liquor Boards to include and increase community representation in alcohol licensing decisions and monitoring alcohol outlet compliance.
End
For information contact:
Mr Julian A. Jacobs
061 917 9661