GEORGE NEWS - The recent amendment to George's liquor by-law, allowing liquor outlets to operate on Sundays, has sparked a lively debate in the community.

Following a post on George Herald's Facebook page, it became clear that opinions are sharply divided and not everybody is excited about the change. 

While some residents welcome the move as a step toward convenience and economic growth, others express concern about its potential social impact and the impact it will have on the medical industry and employees.

Last Sunday, 6 October, marked the first Sunday in George's history that residents could buy alcohol from liquor outlets on Sundays and religious holidays.

The new by-law on the days and hours of liquor trading passed in Council on Thursday 25 July, was gazetted on Friday 4 October. 

Residents will be able to purchase alcohol from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and from 09:00 to 20:00 on Mondays to Saturdays.

The same hours will apply to cellars, winemakers, home distillers and all off-premises consumption retailers. The times for consumption on premises are 08:00 to 02:00 the next day, Monday to Sunday.

An amendment to the by-law, as requested by the ANC, stretched the hours for liquor consumption at house taverns even longer than the first proposal. 

With the amended proposal, house taverns will be allowed to sell liquor on site from 10:00 on Fridays to 02:00 on Saturdays; and on Sundays from 10:00 to 22:00.

The other side of the coin is that liquor store employees used to have every Sunday off to spend with their families and friends, but this will now end. 

Their competition, supermarkets, have always been open on Sundays and will now be able to sell alcohol as well. 

This will force liquor stores to also open their doors on these days, as they need to remain competitive.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’