Another alcohol sales ban looming
The increase in COVID-19 infections has another alcohol sales ban looming. This comes after liquor traders call for a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa following the sharp increase in infections. Two of the organizations representing traders are worried this could be bad for them as another alcohol sales ban could be put into practice.
The third wave which has hit many African countries including South Africa is more deadly and the Health Minister confirms that new restrictions are inevitable. The health Minister goes on to say new restrictions are unavoidable but people should not panic as the government is holding discussions to how to best reduce the infection rate.
“We are watching it very closely, and if (the third wave) comes, we are ready. The issue of a lockdown is something that will only be looked at depending on the severity of the third Covid-19 wave. A lockdown would only be looked at depending on how badly the country is hit by an influx in new cases,” he said.
Another alcohol sales ban looming
The public seems not to be agreeing on the right solution. Some think the government should talk to Tavern owners who are breaking all covid-19 related regulations and their hooligans. People do not want to lose their privilege to buy and consume alcohol.
On the other hand, others think alcohol should just be banned but people will not take it well. Here are some of the comments:
“They only have to talk to Tavern’s owners who are breaking all COVID-19 related rules and their ‘hooligans ‘customers.”
“Cyril must ban alcohol forever than he will be president forever.”
The National Liquor Traders Council says they have worked closely with the industry in order to enhance maximum compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols. Among other activities, hiring Community Policing Forum members to improve safety in and around taverns has been done. Also the council confirms that tavern owners have been educated on the importance of following the COVID-19 rules and failure to do so will result in unwanted consequences.