New Liquor Act to Affect Existing and New Liquor Establishments

“The ministry has been prompted by the fact that there have been so many bad incidences, those incidences include Gender Based Violence (GBV), some gruesome car accidents and in some instances learners were found drunk on school premises,” said Robert Simon, Policy Analyst at the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF). Mr. Simon was commenting on the Ministry of Idustrialization, Trade and Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s request in amending the Liquor Act, of 1998. One of the amendments of the Act is to provide for the issuing of licences to establishments within a prescribed distance in the vicinity of certain areas and the inclusion of residential premises, churches, schools and hospitals as an additional factor to be taken into account when considering a licence application.

Meanwhile local Shebeen owner, “Rocksen”, says he has been operating in a residential area for more than 15 years and is therefore not willing to move if asked to do so. “Rocksen” said there are no jobs in Government and they are trying to make a living.

Spotlight News this week speaks to Robert Simon, Policy Analyst at the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF) as well as  Shebeen owner “Rocksen” on the Liquor Act Amendment Bill where no licences will be issued to establishments  within a certain distance in the vicinity of residential premises, churches, schools and hospitals once amended.

https://soundcloud.com/99fm/spotlight-news-robert-simon-policy-analyst-namibia-trade-forummp3

https://soundcloud.com/99fm/spotlight-news-bar-owner-rocksenmp3

-Interviews and Article by Maggie Forcelledo