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Agricultural industry group Agri SA has welcomed the country’s move to a level 1 lockdown, but has questioned the continued restrictions around the sale of alcohol in the county, which it describes as a “blow to the stomach.” .
With the country’s transition to a level 1 lockdown, alcohol for home consumption can be sold between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday through Friday. Consumption will be allowed in the place subject to the observance of the evening curfew that runs from 00:00 to 04:00.
“The reopening of all economic sectors will contribute to much-needed economic growth. For this reason, the prohibition of the sale of wine in stores and on farms, especially on weekends, does not make sense ”, said Agri SA.
The group said the continued restrictions will have an extremely negative impact on the sustainability of wine estates that attract large numbers of visitors and tourists, especially on weekends.
Wine farms depend on the direct sale of wineries for domestic consumption and the industry is denied the opportunity to recover economically.
“South Africa must now seize every opportunity for economic recovery and bring those industries back to their knees under strict Covid restrictions,” said Christo van der Rheede, Deputy CEO of Agri SA.
Vinpro, a non-profit company representing 3,500 South African wine producers in the country, said that the wine sector is a major contributor to national and international tourism in South Africa.
“We appreciate that tourism is seen as a sector that can promote economic recovery,” said Rico Basson, managing director of VinPro.
Basson said the relaxation of consumption rules at the facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor events, should open opportunities for the sector to recover.
“The continued restrictions on sales for home consumption during the weekends under Covid’s direct protocol are disappointing for the 530 wineries that rely on direct sales from the winery doors for home consumption.
“This comes at a time when the wine industry, with a significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises, is in dire need of economic recovery, job retention and growth.”
Kurt Moore, Executive Director of the South African Liquor Brand Owners Association (SALBA), said the alcoholic beverage industry recognizes the challenges facing the government in its efforts to stop the pandemic and prevent a second wave of infections, but that the focus must shift to reconstruction. the economy.
“The extension of trading days to Friday for off-consumption consumption and the extension of two hours for consumption until midnight is a step in the right direction, but not far enough for our sector that is struggling to recover from the two waves of bans on formal alcohol sales during the lockdown, “said Moore.
Moore said a key priority for the country should be to focus on the economic recovery plan as discussed at Nedlac. He said that this is the reason why the sector was disappointed that the government did not allow non-consumer outlets to trade under their license conditions or at least engage in some trade on weekends.
“Efficient collection of existing revenues and the urgent need to close tax leaks from the illicit alcohol trade are critical to economic recovery. Limitations on the sale of alcohol outside of consumption on weekends continue to provide an opportunity for illicit networks to expand, ”said Moore.
New social pact
While some members are unhappy with the latest rules, the alcoholic beverage industry has reiterated its commitment to partnering in a new social pact with the government to save companies and jobs in the sector.
The sector has committed an investment of R150 million in direct harm reduction interventions and programs over the next year to help the government address the social and health burden of alcohol abuse.
“As an industry, we recognize that we have a collective responsibility to protect all of our livelihoods as part of the alcohol value chain. Consumers, likewise, have a responsibility to behave appropriately and not expose themselves or others to unnecessary harm and possible infection, ”said Moore.
Lucky Ntimane, coordinator of the National Council of Liquor Merchants, welcomed the decision. “We welcome the two-hour extension of the tavern business hours.
“This provides an opportunity for the sector to continue recovering. The amendment to 50% capacity instead of just 50 people, provides a better variation in the application of the rules between the points of sale with a large or small capacity for customers. “
Patricia Pillay, executive director of the Beer Association of South Africa, said South Africans must also do their part to change harmful behaviors.
“We call on consumers to participate in changing our drinking culture and help enforce these measures. We call on consumers to moderate their alcohol consumption and behave responsibly as consumers, ”he said.
“We advocate for zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and the need to take action to reduce the number of drunk pedestrians on the streets.”
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