The Liquor Amendment Bill has been passed in Parliament to extend the maximum term for the renewal of a liquor licence from 3 years to 5 years and to allow a person who did not renew their licence due to COVID-19 restrictions to apply for the renewal of their licence.
The new law also empowers the Attorney General to exempt a person from paying the prescribed fee if the Minister is satisfied that the person paid the applicable prescribed fee for the licence issued for the term immediately prior to the term of a licence for which payment of the prescribed fee is due and payable; did not sell or supply liquor due to COVID-19 restrictions; did not sell or supply liquor for the term of the licence issued, in part or for the entire term; and incurred a significant loss of revenue for the term of the licence issued.
The Bill also provides that where a person is exempted from payment of the prescribed fee, the licence issued is valid for a maximum term of one year.
While speaking during his right of reply on the debate on the Bill, Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Opposition members are raising issues that there will be some form of unruly situation that people will be selling alcohol left, right and centre.
He says the amendments do not alter anything under the Liquor Act and the establishment of the Central Liquor Board and its functions.
Sayed-Khaiyum says the requirement as to how one can get a licence does not change at all.
The Attorney General also told SODELPA MP, Simione Rasova that authorities will continue to conduct random checks on license holders.
While opposing the Bill, SODELPA MP Simione Rasova says he is concerned that the increase in the licensing period for liquor will result in the increase in violence against women and girls.
He adds the motion is shameful because the government has not done any consultation.
Rasova also says its fine if SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu is supporting the government because Bulitavu is from Macuata and he is from Kadavu.
Rasova says of course Bulitavu will support the government because of the Tui Macuata and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
