The ban on the sale of alcohol in South Africa will remain in force and no alcohol will be sold to anyone during the lockdown. The presidency has declined the Gauteng Liquor Forums request to sell alcohol during COVID-19 lockdown.
During the declared national state of disaster, there will be no sale of liquor and cigarettes.
“The decision was communicated to the Forum’s attorneys on 17 April 2020 via the offices of the State Attorney.”
“The President and government as a whole remain committed to financially supporting businesses in distress during this period.”
According to the statement, Cyril Ramaphosa carefully considered the presentations of the Gauteng Liquor Forum to relax the alcohol ban regulation.
“These, however, have had to be weighed up against the imperative of all South African businesses and citizens to comply with the lockdown regulations, the health implications of consumption of alcohol and the priority to ensure social distancing during this principle.”
Alcohol doesn’t fall under essential good and is considered a “hindrance to the fight against the coronavirus.”
“There are proven links between the sale and consumption of alcohol and violent crime, motor vehicle accidents and other medical emergencies at a time when all private and public resources should be preparing to receive and treat a vast number of COVID19 patients.”
“The Presidency has once again drawn the Forum’s attention to the assistance provided by the Tourism Relief Fund, the Department of Small Business Development, the Unemployment Insurance Fund and private endeavors such as the South African Future Trust amongst others”
Lockdown has been extended until the end of April.
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