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CAPE TOWN – Places where alcohol is consumed, such as pubs and taverns, are becoming hotspots for the spread of COVID-19.
Several cases were reported among students in Cape Town and the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape.
The alcohol industry is now concerned that the government could enforce tougher regulations if the danger of a second wave becomes real.
READ: Level 2 Lockdown: Tavern Owners Eager to Reopen
The Western Cape liquor industry says the licenses of at least 44 licensed merchants have been suspended for violating closure regulations, but the province’s liquor merchants association says authorities often unfairly target businesses.
The tavern and pub owners also say that the responsibility cannot be solely their responsibility to ensure that customers comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
With concerns about a second wave of COVID-19 infections, the alcoholic beverage industry fears that another alcohol ban could remove hundreds of merchants.
