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A general view of Springs Cash and Carry Liquor in Ekurhuleni.
- Liquor Traders Formations is pleading with the government to continue allowing off-site alcohol sales.
- He also wants their input considered before any decision following the second wave of Covid-19 is communicated to the public.
- He says that a total closure of alcohol sales would spell the end of the tavern market.
In the wake of the second wave of Covid-19, Liquor Traders Formations have asked the government to continue to allow off-site alcohol sales.
In a statement on Sunday, the South African liquor traders coalition said that while it supported government initiatives in the fight against Covid-19, it emphasized that any decision made by the government affecting the alcohol industry should be discussed.
Liquor Traders Formations asked that your input be considered before communicating any decision to the general public.
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The coordinator, Lucky Ntimane, said that a total closure of alcohol sales would mean the end of the tavern market and the loss of 250,000 direct jobs linked to the sector.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Wednesday the government would need to review current restrictions and consider new measures. He said the virus continued to spread exponentially, faster than the first wave, adding that the peak would be exceeded in the next few days.
Mkhize said Saturday night that 37,817 tests fell in the last 24-hour cycle, which translates to a rate of 30.54%.
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According to the latest statistics, SA registered 11,552 new Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, and just over 30% of the tests carried out in this period were positive.
Liquor Traders Formations said it was committed to supporting the government’s effort in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, but added that the alcohol industry should be consulted on any restrictions if imposed.
“We ask our government to continue working with the alcohol industry to find win-win solutions on how to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in a way that can safeguard the 1 million livelihoods that depend on the alcohol industry.”
Ntimane said that a total ban on the sale of alcohol would not be a short- or long-term solution to address the resurgence of the coronavirus.
Liquor Traders Formations proposed the consideration of two options:
– A measured curfew that restricts unnecessary movements of the general public, while balancing the interests of the tourism sector, which depends on the availability of alcohol;
– Restrictions on alcohol consumption, if any, should provide for off-site sales to allow home consumption and provide a special dispensing for taverns to function as off-site outlets with restricted hours.
“We continue to ask our liquor merchants and the general public to observe Covid-19 regulations regarding the use of face masks at all times, to disinfect and wash our hands regularly, and to observe social distancing,” Ntimane reiterated. .
