Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - For the first time ever, liquor stores in North West were open over the long weekend. The new North West Liquor Licencing Amendment Act came into operation on April 1.
It replaced the Liquor Act 27 of 1989 that ceased to operate on March 31.
The new act allows liquor stores to open their doors from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays and from 08:00 to 20:00 on other days. Supermarkets that sell wine are allowed to sell liquor from 08:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday, and from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
Trading hours for liquor at pubs, restaurants, clubs, taverns etc. have been shortened by two hours, allowing these establishments to only trade liquor from 10:00 to midnight.
The reason given for this decision is based on research during amendment of the act, which found that most contact crimes take place during the hours from 00:00 to 02:00.
Event licences for businesses allow liquor trading from 10:00 to 00:00 and for residential from 10:00 to 22:00.
