Giants of the liquor industry are adamant that the alcohol ban cannot return over Easter – as South Africa lurches towards tougher lockdown restrictions.

New research explores whether the restriction on alcohol advertising to protect children is a justifiable limit on freedom of expression.

A liquor policy group is now advocating for the introduction of a ‘health tax’, which would be funded by implementing higher levies on booze and tobacco.

It is said that the liquor sector is losing 50% to 60% of its sales volumes in the Friday-Saturday period and 10% to 18% on Sundays on a weekly basis.

Government has faced two legal challenges to its ban on the sale of alcohol – one by SAB and the second by wine sector body Vinpro.

This enormous backlog – caused by the alcohol ban – presents several logistical headaches for South Africa’s once-booming wine industry.

The wine sector has now lost more than R8-billion in direct sales, threatening the livelihoods of 27,000 people

South African healthcare experts have suggested that a new ‘alcohol tax’ would go a long way towards helping hospitals cope with increased demand.

The South African liquor industry has said that the lifting of the alcohol ban comes a little too late for small businesses who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

The EFF has welcomed the relaxation of other lockdown measures, including the curfew, but said it was opposed to the ending of the alcohol ban

With Cyril Ramaphosa confirming ‘the end of the alcohol ban’ for SA, bars and restaurants can now supply customers with liquor during Adjusted Level 3.

In a revealing interview, Bheki Cele explained his own problems with liquor, and admitted to letting his personal experiences ‘shape the alcohol ban’.

February is already looking like a better month: There are a number of factors of play that suggest an end to the alcohol ban is ‘in sight’.

James Vos from CoCT said his office supported the call to lift the alcohol ban.

Presidential pace: This is not the first time President Cyril Ramaphosa was spotted out and about on his morning jog.

As COVID-19 cases decline across SA, the clamour to lift the alcohol ban has intensified – and there’s talk of another ‘family meeting’ coming soon.

The South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA) believes the time has come for Government to reverse the alcohol ban and help save jobs

The owner of the tavern and butchery says his business was hit by the first alcohol ban. He was trying to revive it when the second ban hit.

With no end in sight to the alcohol ban, Brits police in the North West have confiscated R16 250 worth of alcohol from a shop owner.

Members of the Rasa gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to stage a peaceful protest and deliver a memorandum to have the alcohol ban lifted.

The man was caught selling liquor from his house during the alcohol ban. He was also caught with illicit cigarettes and a large amount of cash.

With government having lauded the effects of the alcohol ban, it remains to be seen whether they will positively respond to the restaurant industry’s call

While the alcohol ban will remain in place, health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said they would continue monitoring the rate of COVID-19-related hospitalisations

Heineken SA said that the decision to cut 70 jobs was ‘not easy’, but the trading environment brought by the alcohol ban necessitated it.

It’s the last thing you’ll want to hear if you consider yourself a liquor enthusiast: Zweli Mkhize’s latest take on the alcohol ban may turn a few heads…