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Venson Rules Out Consultation On Liquor Laws
By Bame Piet Staff
Writer
3/13/2006 4:04:47 PM (GMT +2)
The Minister of Communications Science and Technology Pelonomi Venson told Parliament on Friday that there is no need to consult the public in implementing the new liquor laws. She said excessive alcohol consumption is a matter of serious concern that needs to be contained urgently.
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 Venson was debating a motion by Specially Elected MP Botsalo Ntuane calling on the Ministry of Trade and Industry to postpone the implementation of the controversial Liquor Act of 2003 pending a comprehensive consultative process with all stakeholders. Venson who once headed the ministry did not support the motion. She said she had consulted the nation during her reign and that people were not happy with the high level of alcohol consumption in Botswana. She said that statistics show that there is a link between road accidents, spread of HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and alcohol consumption. She said research shows that alcohol consumption is not healthy and can lead to death. She agreed with critics of the proposed laws that many people would lose their jobs if the new regulations are implemented. But she insisted that alcohol has destroyed many lives and it is government's responsibility to take care of the people. She said that regulating trading hours was the only alternative government has to control excessive consumption of alcohol. But she nearly exposed herself to humiliation from MPs who could not wait for her to finish her debate. She refused to yield to MPs seeking clarifications. In the press gallery, journalists made fun of the minister saying she is mistaking the nation for her ministry where she tells government reporters what to do.
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