BASA: Ongoing alcohol ban will destroy small businesses
The Beer Association of South Africa says the
government's delivered another crushing
blow to small businesses by extending the alcohol sales
ban.
Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended recently imposed coronavirus restrictions under alert level 3. And he kept bans on alcohol sales and on-site consumption - in place.
They were introduced last month to ease pressure on hospital emergency wards. BASA says by keeping these restrictions in place, government's sounded the death knell for many small craft brewers.
It's said in a statement that it acknowledges the immense pressure Covid-19 has placed on our healthcare system.
But the Association says efforts to fight the virus cannot be at the expense of people's livelihoods. It says already, 30% of local breweries have been forced to permanently shut their doors.
165 000 people have lost their jobs. BASA is also worried that illicit alcohol production and sales will thrive.
Addressing South Africans last night on the country's response to the pandemic, President Ramaphosa explained the sales ban is making a difference:
“Health services in several parts of the country reported that the prohibition of alcohol sales has significangtly reduced the number of trauma cases seen in our hospitals during the new year period,” Ramaphosa said.
“It is vital that we continue to protect our health services,” Ramaphosa added.
BASA which comprises craft brewers, Heineken SA and South African Breweries, says it will requested a meeting with the Presidency and Ministers urgently.
