Liquor traders council backs SAB's move to head to court over booze ban
The liquor industry has come in support of the South African Breweries (SAB) decision to head to court to have the fourth liquor ban overturned.
SAB announced on Wednesday that it's left with no choice but to defend its rights and protect its business.
This follows the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday of an alcohol sales ban of 14 days.
Spokesperson for the National Liquor Traders Council, Lucky Ntimane says they are fully behind SAB after government failed to consult with the industry.
"Failure by government to consult with the industry and the unjust bans that we had to endure without any financial support whatsoever to cushion against the blows of the almost 20 weeks' worth of alcohol bans means that the likes of SAB have to resort to the courts to seek relief on yet another ban that has no basis in science and facts.
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"We are concerned by the disdain that the government continues to treat the alcohol industry and the lack of support from the Minister of DTIC to supporting the alcohol industry and its value chain that supports over 1 million jobs is equally concerning."
The Beer Association of South Africa says has also expressed its support, saying while the beer industry is committed to working with government to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 third wave, this cannot be at the expense of businesses and critical jobs within the sector.
