BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade engaged Members of Parliament on the Liquor Licensing Bill of 2021 yesterday.
According to the Eswatini Government social media pages, the Bill seeks to amend the Liquor Act 1964 to, among other things, allow for liquor businesses to operate on Swazi Nation Land (SNL).
The ministry also engaged the MPs on the Citizens Economic Empowerment Bill, which aims to empower emaSwati to actively participate in the economy.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo said the extension of the issuance of the Liquor Licenses to liquor businesses in SNL was believed to increase economic growth and enhance job creation thus contributing positively to the livelihood of emaSwati.
“Worth noting is the fact that there has been an existence of an illegal trade of liquor in the rural areas which did not benefit the economy and is in violation of this Act. On another note, this can be regarded as an indicator of a market or demand of the liquor business under SNL.
“The Bill is also aimed at achieving the economic objectives of the country as specified in Section 59(2)(d) of the Constitution, which provides that there should be a sound and healthy economy- underpinned by principles balancing all regions between rural and urban areas and focusing on improving living conditions in the rural areas,” said the minister.
