Article by: Dumisane Dube
The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) says it might go to court to challenge the government’s decision to ban the sale of alcohol amid third wave.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would be moving to level four of the lockdown.
Ramaphosa said the new Alert Level will be for the next 14 days, therefore the sale of alcohol will be prohibited.
Restaurant sit-ins have also been prohibited by the government, although diners will have an option of ordering take away foods or delivery.
BASA CEO Patricia Pillay says alcohol cannot be blamed for the rise in Covid-19 infections in the country.
“The rise in infections is a direct result of large gatherings, a lack of social distancing and the failure to wear masks – not alcohol,” says Pillay
Pillay says the announcement by Ramaphosa is a severe setback for the hospitality sector.
According to BASA spokesperson, Nicole Mirkin, the three previous alcohol bans resulted in over 7 400 jobs lost in the beer industry, R14.2 billion in lost sales revenue and more than a R7.8 billion loss in taxes and excise duties.
BASA says the alcohol ban will further increase the illegal alcohol trade.
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