The Gauteng Liquor Forum, which wants restrictions on the sale of alcohol eased during an extended lockdown, is threatening court action against the South African government.
The South African government banned the sale of alcohol during the lockdown that started on 26 March 2020, was due to expire on 16 April and was extended to month-end.
The forum, which is a non-profit organisation of stakeholders made up of associations of
mostly township based Shebeens and Taverns, represent about 20,000 micro and small businesses around Gauteng.
Also read: Coronavirus: SA Liquor Makers Want Booze Restrictions Eased
Struggling South Africa’s liquor makers want restrictions on the sale of alcohol eased during an extended lockdown.
The forum has submitted their proposals to open up taverns to government.
The forum members operate mainly in the townships and the vast majority of them are tavern owners, liquor outlets and shebeen owners.
It said its members’ businesses have been gravely affected by the prohibition on a total ban of selling of alcohol. “The extension of the lockdown period to 30 April 2020 will most likely ruin their businesses. They do not have access to other means of surviving, while the
lockdown continues.”
The forum want the government to remove, amend or lift the regulation which places a total ban of the selling of alcohol.
They threatened to take the government to court on an urgent basis tomorrow if this is matter is not resolved.
Watch below Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo urges President Ramaphosa not to lift the ban on the sale of alcohol
Also read: Coronavirus: Bheki Cele Vows to Crack Down on Illegal Alcohol Sales
Police Minister Bheki Cele has vowed to crack down on illegal alcohol sales during uring South Africa’s lockdown.
News24 reported that Cele is also targeting alcohol looters, who have struck several times since the lockdown began.
“Sober up – there are serious matters here,” Cele warned.
He also promised that police would act against those looting liquor stores.
Cele believed there were three types of liquor raiders: First, “spontaneous” robbers who simply took a chance and smashed-and-grabbed. Second, small syndicates of burglars and third, the serious syndicates.
He added there were also networks that were supplying certain facilities which continued to sell liquor.
Cele promised to crack down on these and warned their “infrastructure” would be confiscated, such as fridges, etc.
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