Reconsider alcohol ban, liquor industry tells government

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The liquor industry say the government should reconsider the total ban on the sale of alcohol and at least allow off-premises alcohol sales and consumption to continue.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday that the Cabinet had decided to introduce adjusted level 3 lockdown restrictions and had banned the sale of alcohol for the next 14 days due to the rise in Covid-19 cases.

Reacting to the announcement, the industry said if the government allowed for the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption, this would allow outlets to operate and prevent possible job losses. According to Pillay, 7 400 jobs and R14.2 billion in sales revenue were lost and 30% of breweries were forced to shut their doors. She said the government lost R7.4bn in taxes and excise duties that could have been used in the fight against Covid-19.

“There is much that the industry and government can do to encourage moderate, responsible consumption and to penalise those who break the rules. We believe that a third alcohol ban will do more harm than good,” added Pillay. “The banks want their money, regardless of whether we are operating. That is unfair to us as businesses, and we end up failing to pay them, resulting in huge interest and closure of businesses,” he said. He said that due to the move to level 3, more than 20 staff had been let go, including security and car guards, cleaners, bartenders and packers.

“Our industry supports over one million livelihoods throughout our value chain, across farming, retail, manufacturing, logistics and many SMMEs whose livelihoods are at stake due to the suspension of alcohol trading.”

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Mxm

Apprently the ANC are heavily in debt...I'm sure if they helped them out things will change 😅😅😅

Black market is alive and well! No taxes to the govt! Shoot them selves in the foot! 😂

Those one's should shut up and suffer the consequences of their irresponsible actions, they were chasing after profits and let their guard down...they made the bed and it's time to lie on it

I’m still smiling! it’s been so beneficial trying someone new. The step take couldn’t be much better. So glad I came across MarkSuste

PresidencyZA, CyrilRamaphosa people are still going to drink SABreweries products without the much needed income to govt. Knee jerk reactions and thoughtless decisions will kill the economy.

Go to court 🙄

Has nobody ever noticed that you cant tell this Government shit... You need to line the pocket to get what you want brah...

Here we go again, same old, same old.

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