By: Kaya 959 News
There has been several alcohol bans and restrictions since the start of the lockdown in March 2020. With the country preparing for a third wave, there is a fear that there might be more bans on alcohol.
READ: Alcohol Policy Alliance urges govt to strengthen restrictions
This has led to the The National Liquor Traders Council writing a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting a meeting to discuss how the third wave would impact their business. They also want to work together with government to find solutions on how to deal with the pandemic.
“Our purpose is to find sustainable solutions and support government efforts to combat the pandemic in every way possible,” reads the letter to the president.
However, the traders have also asked Ramaphosa to provide scientific evidence before implementing another alcohol ban.
READ: Liquor outlets are asking for money from the government
They said he needs to ensure that any decision taken is guided by scientific evidence.
“In our case, liquor traders, can continue to operate, subject to fully complying with safe operating standards, in a way that was not always possible previously. Where restrictions in economic activity are required, these should be clearly explained with clear end dates,” reads the letter.
“In our view and as we have always maintained, the rise in Covid-19 infections is a much bigger societal challenge that requires all of us as – business, civil society and government to work together to find solutions.”
They believe that working together and having clear end dates will make the sector better prepared.
“This allows business to plan rather than facing open ended disruptions which is significantly more difficult to manage and leads to job losses. setting a clear criteria upon which restrictions would be lifted is vital.”
Image courtesy of Pexels/ @Sonja
