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The Beer Association of South Africa said while it acknowledged the severity of the Covid-19 second wave and, with it, the immense pressure on the healthcare system, it does not agree with the blanket alcohol ban announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night.
BASA said the previous two alcohol bans had a devastating impact on the beer industry, with 7 400 job losses, R14.2 billion in lost sales revenue, and 30% of breweries being forced to shut their doors.
“In addition, the government lost R7.4 billion in taxes and excise duties that could have been used in the fight against Covid-19,” the Association said in a statement.
“This third ban will do untold economic damage to the beer sector and the 415 000 livelihoods it supports. Secondly, we are concerned that another ban will further entrench the web of illicit alcohol trade as consumers look for ways around the ban.”
BASA said instead of a blanket ban, the government needed to regulate sensibly and to ensure that those regulations were adhered to, adding that more could be done to encourage moderate, responsible consumption and to penalise those who break the rules.
The Beer Association said it played its part to ensure businesses were Covid-19 compliant, while training and guidelines were also provided to outlets across the country.
“We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliant businesses by cutting off supply to any outlets and establishments that have been found guilty of flouting Covid-19 directives.”
BASA said it believed that a third alcohol ban will do more harm than good but would continue to engage with the government on what needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods working together to beat Covid-19.
