Calls to scratch alcohol, tobacco lockdown regulations

Calls to scratch alcohol, tobacco lockdown regulations

A drug pressure advocacy group is calling for the ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco during lockdown to be lifted.

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Government has prohibited the sale of liquor and cigarettes over the 21-day lockdown - as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.


Dr Keith Scott is with the South African Drug Policy Initiative.


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He says government didn't consider people struggling with substance use disorders when putting in place these new regulations.


"People who have substance use disorders are left with no option other than to use other drugs or to buy alcohol illegally. Whereas wealthier people can stock up on alcohol or have stocked up on alcohol and can continue to use their drug of choice for weeks on end."

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