The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association has rejected the Gauteng Liquor Board’s proposal to increase license fees.

The fees currently cost up to R6 000 annually.

The Association, which represents thousands of liquor traders across Gauteng, argues that the proposed fee hikes will further strain liquor traders especially those in townships.

This comes as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwane prepares to deliver the National Budget Speech this coming week which could to see the so called “sin taxes” on alcohol and cigarettes increased.

Association spokesperson Jongikhaya Kraai says, “If licensing fees increase, meaning the owners will increase their prices and already we are dealing with people that are jobless. So, we are just saying that, can we rather look at the option of letting shebeen permit owners pay their fees and ease the burden on tavern license holders.”

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