Alcohol ban ramaphosa level 2

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Alcohol ban avoided – but could ‘purchase limits’ be implemented soon?

The alcohol ban isn’t the only threat to liquor sales: ‘Purchase limits’ have been discussed by government, and their appetite for restrictions is strong.

Alcohol ban ramaphosa level 2

Photo: Unsplash

That was quite a little scare we had on Tuesday, wasn’t it? Rumours that a third alcohol ban since lockdown could be implemented this week were eventually quashed by Cabinet, after they swirled around on social media for most of the day – prohibition may not be returning yet, but could ‘purchase limits’ soon become law?

Purchase limits recommended by SA Medical Research Council

The SAMRC put several measures up for review earlier in August, as they gave our head of state the green light to allow alcohol sales again. They include the following suggestions.

  • The size of alcohol containers – such as 500ml beer bottles and 750ml bottles of wine – should be reduced.
  • Quantitative limits on how much alcohol one person can buy must be considered.
  • An increase in police roadblocks for drink-driving was also suggested, as was the ‘zero-tolerance policy’ for all motorists.


Now the eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that one of these suggestions is already set to become law. Fikile Mbalula confirmed on Tuesday that a zero-tolerance policy is being adopted by the government, as they seek to lower the legal drink-drive limit to 0% – or, at least, as close to that number as possible.

Alcohol ban: ANC stalwarts flock to condemn liquor

So, could another item follow suit? Well, there’s every chance that the government will still consider how the want to regulate alcohol sales. Just look at what these key ministers and members have said this week:

  • Fikile Mbalula has called for ‘alcohol access’ laws to be reviewed

“You can see what alcohol is doing to our country, it’s a mess. This over access of alcohol, we drink from six to six — it’s over — it must come to an end. At some point, people must drink but know at some point, 22:00, it’s not allowed, you must go home. Whether there is COVID, we must review our laws, in terms of alcohol access.”

  • Bheki Cele demanded a clampdown on ‘alcohol abuse’

While the alcohol ban has been lifted under Lockdown Level 2, it still remains the responsibility of those who consume alcohol to do so, without putting themselves and those around them in danger. Police officers must continue in their numbers, to enforce the law and clamp down hard on reckless behaviour brought on by alcohol abuse.” 

“We welcome the call from the Police Minister Bheki Cele for police to be tough on alcohol consumption and driving. Government further appeals to the liquor industry to strengthen current efforts with government that aim to curb the scourge of alcohol abuse. The recent spate of fatal accidents following the reopening of liquor sales is a cause for concern.”

“We don’t support that (the reopening of alcohol and tobacco sales), we have even made a submission to that effect. We know how this virus operates now, we are in the peak now and another peak could follow. So our position remains that we will not support the lifting of the ban on alcohol and cigarettes.”

No alcohol ban – but reform isn’t far off

The anti-alcohol crusade has livened up since Level 2 was implemented, but these politicians are bringing receipts with them. Over 740 drunk driving incidents occurred over the past seven days, with the most shocking incident claiming the lives of three police officers.

Mbalula, meanwhile, shared anecdotal evidence during an address on Tuesday, saying that ‘there had been more carnage on the roads’ since alcohol returned to the shelves. His plan to limit this? Regulations and restrictions, apparently…

Can ‘purchase limits’ fix South Africa’s relationship with alcohol?

The rhetoric in government, although staunchly weary of alcohol, is changing. The desire to ban and prohibit the drink has waned at this stage of lockdown. But make no mistake, a majority of those in power agree that changes have to be made to the way alcohol is sold – and even the DA is on board with well-crafted regulations.

Some stores like Game already have purchase limits on alcohol in place. However, Pick N Pay is adamant that they won’t restrict how much booze people can buy. The onus, at the moment, is on individual businesses.

So, will limiting the amount of booze one person can buy in-store have the desired effect? The jury is out. But any move that can limit impulse buying, or mitigate the effects of binge drinking, will be given some serious consideration by Cyril Ramaphosa and his colleagues. To quote the president himself: “Watch this space…