With the possibility of another so-called ‘family meeting’ ahead of the Easter break, the liquor industry is anxious another liquor ban will be imposed.
Role players in the hard-hit sector are waiting to see whether President Cyril Ramaphosa could announce stricter lockdown regulations for the Easter long weekend.
The industry has lost in excess of R36.3 billion in revenue due to various alcohol bans over the last year.
The Liquor Traders Association said that it was mindful that it needed to play its part in efforts to circumvent a potential third wave of COVID-19 infections.
National convener Lucky Ntimane said that they were open to reducing their trading hours and days, however, an outright ban would not be sustainable.
“The majority of our liquor traders, 70% of which are small to medium enterprises, we are really struggling to survive hence the talk of a ban as a way for government to deal with the COVID-19 third wave worries us.”
Ntimane said that the onus remained on the public to ensure they remained compliant and consumed liquor responsibly by not contributing to an increase in alcohol-related trauma.
-EWN
In other news – Mzansi bids farewell to Pearl Modiadie
Radio and TV presenter Pearl Modiadie and her co-host Thomas Msengana are leaving Metro FM. The pair has added to the number of radio presenters who have hanged their headphones this month.
Pearl announced her exit from Metro FM on Twitter. She said her last broadcast will be this coming Wednesday. Learn More
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