Liquor traders relieved at on-site consumption during level 3
The National Liquor Traders (NLT) has welcomed government’s decision not to impose restrictions on the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption under level 3 of the lockdown.
On Tuesday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will return to level 3 amid rising Covid-19 infections.
Under the latest regulations, the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption has been restricted to Mondays to Thursdays between 10:00 and 18:00, excluding public holidays.
The sale of alcohol for on-site consumption at restaurants and all other licensed venues is allowed until 21:00 in the evening.
"Taking a whole of society approach to managing the Covid-19 pandemic and driving compliance with safety protocols through broad co-operation is far more effective than topdown restrictions and we’re glad the government has recognized this," said NLT convenor Lucky Ntimane.
"Taverners have been working very hard to ensure that patrons comply with Covid-19 safety protocols and will continue to do so.
"We call on our members to continue to ensure maximum vigilance among their staff and patrons.
"While we are grateful that no restrictions have been placed on us, now is not the time to let down our guard - in fact, we must step up our efforts to keep our patrons and communities safe as the third wave intensifies.
"We do not take the opportunity afforded to us to trade during this difficult period lightly and we see this as a vote of confidence by government to allow liquor traders to trade and continue to support our families in a responsible manner whilst supporting government’s efforts in fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic."
