The by-law restricting the sale of alcohol coming into effect next year is aimed to reduce illegal sales, alcohol-related crime and noise pollution, at the expense of independent liquor store owners.
The new restrictions include allowing bars, nightclubs and restaurants near communities to only sell alcohol until 11 p.m. and restricting bottle stores and supermarkets in mixed residential and business areas to sell alcohol between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, in rural areas bars will be allowed to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Michael Francisco, owner of Kloof Nek Liquors, said that he does most of his trading between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., which conflicts with the new restrictions.
“[The city] is trying to punish a certain few, but targeting everyone,” said Francisco. “It makes no business sense… Why should all of us suffer?”
People will be allowed to apply for license extensions under the new law, but, according to Francisco, small businesses will be left in the dust, with only the big corporations able to get less restrictive hours.
Is this law the best way to handle illegal alcohol trading? Must small business owners be sacrificed for the greater cause? How can illegal trading be eliminated without a sweeping by-law? Will this by-law actually prevent alcohol abuse? How can alcohol abuse be addressed more directly?