Tumelo Setshogo
11 March 2008
The government will make compromises on its controversial plans to restrict liquor trading and entertainment hours.
Deputy director of trade and consumer affairs at the Ministry of Trade and Industry has told Mmegi Business that government has understood the suggestions made by the public and other stakeholders affected by the proposed laws and a compromise will be made.
He said they have received input from the public and recommendations from Botswana Liquor Traders Association (BLTA). He said the matter is now with the cabinet which is expected to come up with a decision this week. Macheng explained that government has considered thatthere are people employed in the sector who might be affected negatively if harsh decisions are made.
Meanwhile, deputy secretary general of BLTA Thuto Mokgwathi has said they are still waiting for the final government decision on the recommendations they made during the consultation process.
"We hope that they have listened to our recommendations carefully," said Mokgwathi. Last week, Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Lebonaamang Mokalake, hinted in Parliament that the new liquour trading and entertainment hours will take effect. He said that after careful consideration of recommendations from the countrywide consultations, cabinet approved the revised liquor regulations.
This will pave way for the implementation of the new Trade and Liquor Act, which will come into force during the first quarter of the current financial year.
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