Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
South African Breweries (SAB) will intensify their efforts to overturn the alcohol ban this week, as they submit their applications to invalidate the government’s controversial decision.
As we reported just a few days ago, SAB tried to work alongside the ANC Cabinet in a bid to avoid a wholescale alcohol ban. Their efforts fell on deaf ears, however, and industry representatives have taken matters into their own hands. As reported by BusinessLive, the company is reviewing its operations – and could close plants and distribution centres.
South Africa awaits Ramaphosa address
This would exacerbate an already escalating jobs crisis within the industry, with liquor supremos stating that 165 000 people have lost work as a result of the ban on booze. SAB says they’ve been left with no alternative but to fight the government in a judicial setting – at a time where lockdown restrictions still rest on a knife-edge.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to address the nation in the coming days. The COVID-19 crisis is not dying down, and more interventions could be used to combat the virus. Level 5 of lockdown has been ruled out, however.
When might the alcohol ban be lifted?
SAB believe they have a strong case – and with these new restrictions set for their first review on Friday 15 January, there is a growing sentiment within the liquor industry that the problematic period of prohibition could be ended ‘within days’. However, that is highly dependent on the speed and outcomes of this litigation process.
Any success for SAB is unlikely to reopen bars and taverns, however. For the time being, the booze behemoth believes that liquor outlets can only reopen to serve ‘takeaway beers’. Although they believe that hospital trauma rates are down to ‘stricter curfew and subsequent enforcement’, SAB has also conceded that gatherings in public are unsafe.
SAB’s latest message on the alcohol ban
Livelihoods of so many hardworking South Africans have been affected by the 3 bans on beer and alcohol sales. Let's work together to find sustainable solutions to help protect the lives and livelihoods of many more fellow citizens. #ResponsibleTogether pic.twitter.com/FCKHINFd8C
— SABreweries (@SABreweries) January 8, 2021
