The new Western Cape Liquor Act (Act No 4 of 2008) allows local governments to enact by-laws to decide on trading days and hours for pubs, hotels, supermarkets and ‘off-sales’, for example.

People in Cape Town have for some time raised concerns about excessive drinking and public drunkenness in residential areas.

The City of Cape Town has therefore prepared a Draft By-Law Relating to Liquor Trading Days and Hours, and would like to know what you think of its proposals.

The draft by-law considers the trading hours of places such as guesthouses, clubs, pubs and supermarkets, as well as wine farms and sports clubs – even special events. For example, the draft by-law proposes that pubs and clubs be allowed to sell alcohol only between the hours of 11am and 2am the following day in business areas and until 9pm in residential areas.

These times would not be applicable to current liquor licences, only to renewed or new licences.

Every by-law in Cape Town needs to take contribute to the City’s strategic objectives, which are: 

• Shared Economic Growth and Development
• Sustainable Urban Infrastructure and Services
• Energy Efficiency for a Sustainable Future
• Public Transport Systems
• Integrated Human Settlements
• Safety and Security
• Health, Social and Human Capital Development
• Good Governance and Regulatory Reform

Watch the press and the City’s website over the next few weeks for full details of public participation processes, and the ways in which you will be able to access the full proposed by-law and send in your comments.

You can also call Gavin van Schalkwyk on 021 400 3166 or email liquor.bylaw@capetown.gov.za for more details.

The closing date for public comment is 27 February 2009.

To download the Draft By-Law Relating to Liquor Trading Days and Hours, please click here.