The Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association and EFF are laughing the loudest after the midnight alcohol curfew in Limpopo was uplifted.
The ruling by the high court in Polokwane allows nightclubs to once again operate under normal trading hours at night.
More than a month ago, the department of economic development and tourism in the province implemented the Limpopo Liquor Act that restricted liquor trading until midnight.
The high court ruled on Monday that alcohol may still be sold at least until 2am. The ruling applies to existing liquor traders while new applicants will have to observe the curfew.
Sello Mokwana, the association’s deputy chairperson, expressed his joy at the court outcome, saying the judge understood the traders depend on liquor sales to eke a living.
He said the past month had been draining both emotionally and financially, with some nightclubs cutting back on staff as a result of reduced trading hours.
Mokwana said new liquor traders applicants have been granted until the middle of 2024 to submit their applications.
In the meantime, everyone is waiting on government to discuss the best way forward that will benefit both liquor traders and the government.
“This is great achievement. I cannot even hide my excitement,” said Mokwana.
“We should not think it is over yet, as we are about to engage in meetings with the government about this matter.
“We were supposed to be engaged about this matter and not just be served notices that we are suddenly only allowed to trade until midnight.
“There must be a plan, such hasty decisions are not good for either of the parties. We are happy for the support that we received from various organisations and the community.”
Limpopo Artists Movement chairperson Mphoza Mashabela said the organisation is thrilled to learn that artists will continue to perform in the nightclubs after the midnight curfew.
He said it is up to the community to maintain safety on the streets and in and around the nightclubs in order to avoid a repeat of fighting government in the courts of law.
“This is [also] a lesson to the department to engage with us and not make decisions for us without communicating,” said Mashabela.
“Respect the industry because it is worthy. I am so much happy that the justice system did its job – we now have so much faith in it.
“We are getting into the festive season and people should be responsible and not give them [the authorities] reasons to take us back to the midnight curfew.
“No drinking and driving, just fun and support.”
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