Specific limits on the amount of alcohol sold to individuals, a ban on drinking in cars, tough action against patrons of illegal shebeens and fines of up to R1-million to defaulting retailers are some of the features of the Western Cape Liquor Act which have been fast-tracked to take effect from January 1.

Not only owners of illegal shebeens but also their suppliers and patrons face stringent new measures as the Western Cape strives to contain alcohol abuse and illegal trade.

And drinking in cars, described by Garth Strachan, MEC for finance, economic development and tourism, as an abominable practice, will be outlawed.

Strachan said on Wednesday announced the rapid implementation of measures aimed at "dealing with the scourges we seek to address" from January 1, as certain regulations were accelerated ahead of the full implementation of the Act in February or March.

The Act prohibits licensed liquor retailers from selling more than a certain quantity of alcohol to unlicensed buyers.

Fines for transgressing retailers would range from R50 000 to R1-million.

"While the whole Act will only come into operation in February or March 2009, the provincial government has moved swiftly to bring into operation those sections of the Act that deal with the very scourges we seek to address through this Act," Strachan said.

A vital part of the Act which has been fast-tracked is one making it an offence for patrons to knowingly buy liquor from an unlicensed shebeen.

Licensed outlets will be targeted if it is found that prostitution or drug dealing takes place on the premises.

The section which deals with the common practice of drinking in cars will also be implemented in January.

Strachan said an education drive would take place next month, and the provisions of the regulations would be widely publicised.

"We want to make sure people know what is prohibited, what they should not do, so that we can visit the full might of the law upon them if they transgress," said Strachan.

One of the draft regulations up for discussion suggests that 100l beer, 30l table wine and 10l spirits would be the maximum amount of liquor allowed to be bought before a permit or special license is required.

The draft regulations will be published for comment tomorrow, however the period for comment will only end on January 31.

"I am happy to announce that, after taking legal advice, we have completed the legal prerequisites for certain sections of the Act to come into operation on 1 January, 2009," Strachan said.

Sections to be implemented on January 1 include those that:

• Allow tough action against public drunkenness.

• Make it an offence for a person to buy liquor from an illegal shebeen.

• Allow punishment for liquor stores who sell liquor to shebeens.

• Target licensees who allow their establishments to be used as brothels or allow prostitutes to frequent those premises.

• Target drug dealers, dealing or use on licensed premises.

• Act against licensees who hold ID and AllPay cards as security for liquor debt.