The forthcoming changes to the Liquor laws, many of which will come into effect from 1st April look set to frustrate and confuse many of us, but for the most part, we are all relying on retailers and restaurateurs to understand and interpret the laws and stay on the right side of them.
However, there is one section of the law which is applicable to many ordinary South Africans here in the Western Cape and that is the section which will make it illegal for anyone to hold more than 150 litres of liquor in their homes without a liquor licence or permission from the Presiding Officer of the Liquor Board.
This is already in effect as from April 1st 2012, however it is anticipated that it is more likely to be enforced after 31st March 2013 when the other transitional measures within the act will cease.
150 litres is the equivalent of 200 bottles of wine and for people with a large cellar, collectors of wine or people planning a family function or event, this can cause a problem. Danie Cronje of Cluver Markotter Inc has been advising Food24 on the recent articles we’ve published on the new laws, and his company can help people get the required permission. Contravention of this provision is an offence for which a fine of up to R100 000 or imprisonment for a period of up to 6 months may be imposed.
Cluver Markotter Inc can apply on your behalf for the above mentioned written consent. Anybody who feels they are likely to fall foul of this law is urged to contact Danie Cronje immediately on dlc@cm.law.za or 082 772 3517 if you require further information.