Alcohol traders toast to partial booze ban lift
Traders, producers and retailers in the alcohol industry have raised their glasses to the partial lifting of the third ban on booze.
While they've welcomed the news that they can now operate again - on certain days - they say the recent restrictions on sales, decimated the industry and threatened its long-term survival.
In his address to the nation last night, President Ramaphosa said liquor can be sold for offsite consumption between Monday and Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Restaurants and taverns can serve drinks throughout the week from 10am until 10pm.
The Beer Association of SA says it's relieved but is concerned about craft brewers - saying there's no guarantee they'll recover.
It says while the President's given small businesses a glimmer of hope, it may be too little too late for some. Almost 7 and a half thousand jobs have been lost.
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The South African Liquor Brandowners Association has called on the government to work with the industry to help those, left on their knees after the six-week ban.
Meanwhile, Vinpro says wine businesses haven't been able to earn any income from local wine sales for a total of 20 weeks since March last year.
The livelihoods of some 27 thousands employees in the wine industry value-chain have been affected.
The group says opening up wine sales for home consumption and tasting rooms will help restore some of the local wine sales revenue to more sustainable levels.
