Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
It seems the goalposts are shifting for South Africa and its alcohol ban, as the country edges towards a further easing of lockdown restrictions next week. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed on Wednesday that Cabinet would consider relaxing some rules in the coming days – and there could be good news in store for drinkers.
Alcohol ban: ‘Talks held’ to end prohibition
Alcohol producers Distell have revealed in a statement this week that they are ‘working together with government’ to open up the liquor trade in a safe and measured manner. They confirm that talks have been held with Nedlac, as both parties seek a fair compromise:
“While we feel that saving livelihoods and lives aren’t mutually exclusive, we’re working together with the government to find ways of safely opening trade while taking extreme caution with the spread of COVID-19.”
“We have been engaging government via Nedlac, and we trust that the process will yield the kind of outcome that both suits the safe re-opening up of trade and safety around COVID-19.”
Distell statement
Finding practical solutions
Richard Rushton is the company’s CEO. His position has been made crystal clear, and although he is critical of the alcohol ban itself, Rushton is not against the idea of tighter restrictions for liquor sales.
“We also have to ask whether the outright ban on alcohol sales can be justified when the damage outweighs the benefits and there are smarter ways to achieve the same objectives.”
Richard Rushton
When will the alcohol ban be lifted?
The alcohol ban has endured a turbulent existence since lockdown was first introduced. Initially in place for 70 days, booze was put back on the shelves for another five weeks. However, rising trauma admissions linked to the consumption of liquor saw prohibition make a contentious return at the start of July.
Some experts believed that the alcohol ban would be in place until September, but should the government follow the measures set out by the SA Medical Research Council, our ale could be fast-tracked to trade once more – even if consumers are likely to face some very strict limits on purchases during this period of lockdown.
