Liquor ban saw SA lose R13 billion in tax
The R13 billion in liquor tax revenue that was lost during the 2020/21 financial period could have helped buy COVID-19 vaccines for the country.
This is according to the South African alcohol industry.
It says there's been a 28% drop in the alcohol tax contribution this financial year because of the three booze bans that have been imposed since March last year.
Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the latest alcohol sales ban would be partially lifted - meaning people can now buy booze at outlets from Monday to Thursday between 10am to 6pm for off-site consumption.
Restaurants and taverns can serve liquor to patrons from 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday.
The alcohol industry while they welcomed the relaxing of the restrictions - the bans have veered the industry off from the road to recovery.
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Kurt Moore is the CEO of the South African Liquor Brandowners Association. He says the effects will be felt for a long time.
"This development is no quick fix for a long term economic survival. We call on the government to work together with us to find workable solutions going forward that protects lives while preserving the livelihoods of around 1 million people who rely on some form of income from this sector."
He says the reinstatement of the alcohol ban for the third time during lockdown has decimated industry and threatened it's long term survival," he adds.
