What is happening to the new South Africa democracy? Are we moving back to patronising legislation? Are curvy women facing the danger of being denied buying liquor? Will women be required to produce a negative pregnacy test prior to acceptance of her alcohol order?
These are just a few questions that comes to mind with regard to the Gauteng Draft Liquor Bill of 2011, published 24 Janaury 2012 in the Gauteng Provincial Gazette for public comment that ended 24 February 2012. Section 53 (1) states that "A licensee must not sell, supply or give liquor to-
- (a) a minor;
- (b) a person who is dressed in a school uniform;
- (c) a person who reasonably appears to be intoxicated; or
- (d) a pregnant woman."
I am not discounting the potential harm alcohol may cause to an unborn foetus, as highlighted in the 2011 policy document, on the contrary. The notion of a display notice about potential harm, as advocated under 8.9.2 mus be applauded.
How would a licensee in any case know if a women's pregnancy is not yet evident?
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