CYRIL RAMAPHOSA address the nation

Photo: GCIS / Flickr

Alcohol ban stays in place – when is it likely to be reviewed?

The alcohol ban has been extended by Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday evening, after he addressed the nation about Level 3 of lockdown.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA address the nation

Photo: GCIS / Flickr

Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the alcohol ban will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The timeline is far from clear, but it seems the government is now heavily reliant on prohibition to manage the second wave of COVID-19. Most Level 3 restrictions introduced in December 2020 remain in place for the time being.

Ramaphosa on the alcohol ban

Speaking during a televised address on Monday, the president was happy with the impact the alcohol ban has had on trauma units – and maintains that it is ‘vital’ to prioritise the well-being of these facilities.

“The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol is still not be permitted. Health services in several parts of the country reported that the prohibition of alcohol sales had significantly reduced the number of trauma cases seen in our hospitals over the New Year period. It is vital that we continue to protect our health services.”

Cyril Ramaphosa on the alcohol ban

When can we expect Level 3 restrictions – and the alcohol ban – to end?

Lockdown restrictions are generally reviewed every two to three weeks. Small amendments are made every so often. However, Ramaphosa gave no possible review date before 15 February. Therefore, the alcohol ban – which has played a huge role in easing pressure on our hospitals – looks almost certain to remain in place until the middle of next month.

Due to expire on Friday 15 January, Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to make an announcement soon about the State of Disaster. It can only be extended one month at a time, taking us up to Monday 15 February 2021 – exactly five weeks from today. Even then, the SoD Bill is almost guaranteed to be renewed on the aforementioned date.

South Africa needs to witness a decline in cases as dramatic as the increases recorded in previous weeks to get out of the very dire situation we now find ourselves in. Going from Level 3 and into an easier form of lockdown may take months, rather than weeks. The alcohol ban can only be lifted once hospital numbers start to drop.

Although the introduction of vaccines at the end of this month is a much welcome development, the first lot of jabs will go to over one million healthcare workers. The elderly and infirmed will then be immunised afterwards. A mass vaccination programme certainly does halt a pandemic – but it also doesn’t happen overnight.

How long will the State of Disaster remain in place?

We all knew this was going to be a long endeavour, but the virus is likely to cause significant problems throughout 2021 – and Level 3 restrictions will play a huge part in that, too. Ramaphosa will confirm the extension of the SoD later this week, all but ending the hopes of the alcohol ban coming to a premature end.

The State of Disaster governs laws that were introduced solely to combat the spread of the pandemic. They will expire when they are no longer needed, but at this point, it seems like we’re a long way off getting to such a joyous day.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has the ultimate authority over this legislation, but the conditions are written up and agreed to by the National Coronavirus Command Council. Once the president addresses the nation, it’s up to the NCCC to clearly outline the regulations and submit them for publication in the Government Gazette. The new restrictions then become law.