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South Africa’s alcohol industry plans to cut back on advertising and halt events in a bid to curb the country’s second wave of coronavirus.
In a joint statement by the South African Liquor Brand Owners Association (SALBA) and several other associated groups, the industry said it supports government measures to reduce the increase in coronavirus infections.
“During the holiday season, the industry has therefore decided to withdraw support or associate its brands with naming rights for large entertainment events for which an event license is required,” he said.
“Furthermore, its members will not engage in or associate with activities that have the potential to attract crowds that exceed the regulation that restricts the capacity of 50% of the medium.”
The National Disaster Law regulations for Closure Level 1 further restrict the number of clients to 250 people indoors and a maximum of 500 people on one occasion outdoors.
The alcohol industry further asked consumers, customers, event organizers, and all stakeholders to avoid meetings that do not conform to the required and necessary Covid-19 health and safety regulations.
These include:
- Wear masks covering your nose and mouth;
- Disinfect and / or wash your hands regularly;
- Maintain 1.5m social distancing – If you are in a place where social distancing is ignored or impossible, leave;
- Business partners are required to conduct temperature checks on arrival of customers and ensure they are registered.
SALBA President Sibani Mngadi said the country could not afford to have more “super broadcast” events.
“The summer season is a time for social gatherings, celebrations, and outreach events, which can be ‘super spread’ events and carry a high risk of virus transmission.
“As a nation, we simply cannot afford this. Let’s work together to limit the negative effects of binge drinking and ensure a safe and responsible environment for all, ”Mngadi said.
Other restrictions?
South Africa’s restaurant industry says it is currently in talks with the government about the sale of alcohol on site during the December holiday period.
The South African Restaurant Association (Rasa) said it has been asked to assess the position of each restaurant with regard to alcohol sales at the venue and describe the measures they will implement to increase the level of compliance with prevention protocols. Covid-19 in establishments.
This comes after concerns were raised in a ‘scientific paper’ submitted to the government that consumption on the site will be a high risk for Covid-19 prevention methods during the holiday season.
The association’s Wendy Alberts said Rasa has requested to see the evidence presented in the document, noting that the government should not confuse social issues with Covid-19, and should avoid holding the restaurant industry accountable for alcohol abuse.
“I will continue to demand scientific evidence so that we can adequately address where exactly the apparent risk lies.
“We have approved protocols and now they have called us without prior notice to offer an urgent solution regardless of the exact risk. The government has had months to talk to us and now, upon request, it wants a solution, “he said.
Read: Fear of a ‘forceful’ lockdown as South Africa reports another big spike in coronavirus cases
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