Taps can still run dry for wine industry despite alcohol ban lift

Taps can still run dry for wine industry despite alcohol ban lift

Alcohol's back on sale but those in the industry say this has come too late. 

Man standing in front of wine cellar
Man standing in front of wine cellar/ iStock

A group representing the country's wine producers who export say many businesses have been hurt.


Wines of South Africa says about 20 000 direct jobs are on the line. 


The body's Maryna Calow says when factoring in the agriculture and tourism sectors, the impact is greater.


"Following several weeks of local alcohol sales as well as five weeks of export ban. 

 

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Calow said a lot of damage has already been done to the South African wine industry. 


"We anticipate financial losses of up to seven billion rand as well as losses of jobs in the tens of thousands and there will be a number of our primary producers and wineries that will have to, unfortunately, shut their doors," she added. 


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