Liquor traders threaten legal action over alcohol-sales ban

The contentious liquor ban instituted by government as part of the ongoing lockdown regulations could see its day in court, according to the Gauteng Liquor Forum.

The forum represents various liquor traders across the province, and is threatening legal action if, by Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa does not respond to demands listed in a letter published on Saturday.

Legal action looms as a result of liquor ban

One of the main issues raised in the letter is the extension of the lockdown which – with a total ban on alcohol sales – the group fears would cripple the businesses it represents.

The Gauteng Liquor Forum has deemed the prohibition on liquor trading unreasonable and has criticised the lack of consultation made prior to the implementation of the regulations.

“It is exactly the prohibition on the selling of alcohol by our clients during the lockdown period which is at the epicentre of the present challenge by our clients.”

The forum says the traders have been gravely affected by the regulations, with the total ban on liquor sales crippling business.

“The extension of the lockdown period to 30 April 2020 will most likely ruin their businesses. They do not have other means of surviving while the lockdown continues.”

Reverting back to pre-lockdown regulations

Under the national state of disaster declared by Ramaphosa in March, liquor traders initially operated with restricted business hours before the complete ban on alcohol sales, which came into effect alongside the lockdown.

The group has deemed the lockdown regulations unconstitutional and not supported by the law.

“It is also notable that the entire framework for disaster management is not subject to any Parliamentary scrutiny and the risk of abuse of power is manifest.”

The Gauteng Liquor Forum has called for government to revert back to the initial regulations implemented on 18 March, which allowed for the sale of alcohol, but with limited operating hours.