07 January 2021 - 14:00 Various suggestions have been made to the government to consider lifting the ban on liquor sales and distribution under level 3 lockdown. Stock photo. Image: 123RF/VLADISLAVS GORNIKS
Various proposals have been made to the government to lift the ban on liquor sales and distribution under level 3 lockdown.
The booze sales ban was put in place just days before New Year’s Eve, when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the move from lockdown level 1 back to adjusted level 3.
It is set to be reviewed on January 15, when other regulations will also be reviewed.
This week, the liquor industry was vocal about the ban, saying it was of grave concern and calling for a review as soon as possible.
Liquor traders from the tavern sector are appealing to the government to allow off-premise alcohol sales to resume on 16 January, to help protect the 250,000 jobs in the sector and safeguard livelihoods.
HA LE MAMELE! 28 December 2020
Others have said this time their businesses won’t survive.
BUT THE REALITY IS UNQUESTIONED. MZANSI HAS ONE MILLION CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES!
On Sunday, 9 502 cases were recorded, pushing South Africa to an unthinkable high.
Booze and a lack of respect for Covid-19 rules have been blamed for the rise in the number of positive cases, and most people who spoke to
Daily Sun said government should ban the sale of alcohol.
Kgomotso Kgatla (24) said: “People do not wear masks anymore and taverns are always crowded. People are ignoring the rules and disregard social distancing. Taverns should just shut down,” she said.
Khulekani Magubane (Getty Images)
The Liquor Traders Formation called on government to consider off-premises sale of alcohol as the country navigates the second wave.
The group warned that a total shutdown of liquor sales would end the tavern market and the 250 000 direct jobs in the sector.
Tutwa Consulting senior associate Azwimpheleli Langalanga said sectors hardest hit by the initial lockdown, such as hospitality, will suffer.
The Liquor Traders Formation has called on the government to consider changes to the strictest lockdown conditions articulated in the national state of disaster, as the country s Covid-19 cases officially passed the one million mark on Sunday.
âââ 10:55 Sun, 27 Dec 2020
Liquor traders are pleading with the government to be allowed to continue with off-premises alcohol sales.
This as the country navigates the second wave of Covid-19 and rumours of imminent harder lockdown.
The organisation says a total shut-down of liquor sales will mean the loss of 250,000 direct jobs. Lucky Ntimane from the Liquor Traders Formation says he believes there is truth to the rumours, and they are making a pre-emptive plea.